This Game Is Too Real
Chapter 252: Talent Market

Chapter 252: Chapter 252: Talent Market

Later on, the group headed to the weapon shop and finally laid eyes on their much-anticipated Exoskeletons.

However...

Night Ten exclaimed, "A KV-1 for 600 chips?! Damn, that’s expensive!"

Wild Wind asked, "How much was Old White’s set again?"

Old White thought about it and replied,

"Five hundred silver coins, the steel plate was probably half the cost, so just the KV-1 itself about two to three hundred?"

Although that was from a few versions ago and was acquired at an auction.

Thinking about the starting bid of two hundred silver coins, everyone felt a wave of emotion.

Manager was still more generous after all.

Compared to Boss Xia from the weapon store, far too generous!

...

With such expensive items, buying was definitely out of the question; they could only look and quench their desire.

Of course, everyone didn’t forget the purpose of their trip.

After some negotiations, the LD-47 Sickle Assault Rifle they were entrusted with by the manager sold for 70 chips.

That was after they had bargained down the price.

The gun shop owner on the new map was far less reasonable than Boss Xia and showed no interest in their weapons.

And it wasn’t just one shop.

Although Giant Stone City also had 7mm bullets, the lengths were completely different, as were the structures of the priming caps, making them incompatible despite being the same caliber.

The Male Bee Assault Rifle was priced at 150 in Giant Stone City; the factory price was probably not even triple digits, at most only 90.

Coming here to sell weapons was a bad decision; Giant Stone City’s military industrial complex was far superior both in cost and technology than they, who had only been developing over one winter, were.

Unless they tried something different, focused their efforts elsewhere.

Looking at the store shelves, Night Ten muttered,

"Damn, they even sell mortars?"

And the prices were not high.

Just that model a bit longer than a rifle, 60 caliber, range of within three kilometers, only needed a set of KV-1’s price?

Old White looked around at the shelves,

"There are no shells."

Fang Chang said, "The shells are available, but you’d probably have to pick them up outside the city. I remember explosives over a certain weight being contraband... Let’s go, none of these are affordable for us."

Old White sighed,

"It’s too hard, too hard."

I wonder if bricks could be sold here?

Their Bull Horse Brick Factory, that was their specialty product.

Night Ten chuckled,

"How about we go screw some bolts at the factory?"

Old White was a Strength Type!

He’d obviously be great at screwing bolts!

Fang Chang rolled his eyes and decided not to respond,

"Two to three chips a day, you wouldn’t have enough for a gun after working for a month. I suggest you save your breath."

Actually, being able to sell a sickle for 70 chips wasn’t bad, given the raw material cost was no more than 15 silver coins and other costs likely wouldn’t exceed this figure.

After all, a small mosquito is still flesh.

Though this money had nothing to do with them since the sold chips were mission props, the final reward would be settled in silver coins and contribution points according to how many chips they had sold.

Could they pocket some for themselves?

Of course, they could.

As everyone knows, the ways to get rich are all written in the criminal law, and there’s always someone clever enough to think everyone else is a fool.

But not them.

The scrambled eggs with tomatoes and vodka they sold to the drunkard at the bar door settled for 10 chips.

All four felt it was a loss, considering that bottle was a full pound.

Brewing that much vodka would take at least three pounds of potatoes, which would be worth at least three silver coins and up to five when prices were high.

Pretty much broke even!

With chips in hand, Night Ten wanted to check out inside the bar, which seemed to have scantily clad people, but before he stepped inside, Fang Chang pulled him back.

Wild Wind said from the side,

"Don’t forget what we’re here for."

Night Ten protested, "Dang! Aren’t you guys curious? Let me have a look!"

The first thing to do when establishing a new map should be to explore places like this, right?

How else do you claim to understand the local customs?

As everyone knows, bars are the hubs of information in any RPG, whether online or offline.

It’s practically common knowledge!

Fang Chang coughed dryly, "I visited here a while back... those kinds of bars with dancers, the cheapest entry fee was also two chips, basically you have to buy a drink as soon as you enter."

Night Ten exclaimed, "Damn! You, Mr. bushy-browed, actually went there before! Why didn’t you put it in the guide?"

Fang Chang’s gaze drifted away,

"I can’t possibly write about everything."

Old White patted Night Ten on the shoulder and comforted him,

"Let’s talk about it after making some money. These few chips in our pocket probably won’t even cover two drinks."

That made sense.

Night Ten calmed down a bit.

Crow Boss’s mushrooms were finally bought by the general store.

Except for a few blue mushrooms she risked her life to steal from the Leech nest, the other delicious-looking mushrooms didn’t sell for much.

Looking at a bag of chips in their hands, the four players looked worried.

"It’s not enough."

After deducting the 70 chips for the mission props, today’s earnings were 540 chips, with most contributed by Crow Boss.

The amount they could freely use was 270 chips.

"However, looking back, those Blue Umbrella Mushrooms were really valuable since they were sold by the gram! And you could get a chip for just 4 grams!"

"Sadly, they are too rare."

"Before winter arrived, Crow Boss had already snapped them all up; it seems like there are still some left in the NPC’s warehouse."

"Now, the leech dens are merely used as bait by the fishermen, and the blue fungus on the wall won’t regain its lush appearance anytime soon."

...

That night,

The four of them laid out their bedding on the second floor of the office and logged off, then simultaneously logged onto the Forum.

Under the eager watch of countless players and Backseat Drivers, Fang Chang updated the post with everything he had seen that day.

Including the fact that Teng Teng’s art was on consignment.

Including the fact that Crow Boss had sold his mushrooms for a huge amount of money.

They clearly stated how much money everyone made from their sales, with clarity and openness.

Bad-mouthing people’s equipment and game currency was something that any player with a bit of decency wouldn’t do, and everyone trusted them as well.

Only Professor Thunder Mage Yang was left theorizing all sorts of things, saying it couldn’t possibly be just that little sold, suspecting something fishy, but nobody paid him any attention.

All players’ focus was captured by the new map’s richness in freedom and content for exploration.

"What is called a virtual world!"

"This is what I call good!"

"’North Suburb’ is simply survival in the wilderness!"

Even through the screen, Fang Chang could feel many people’s eyes shining with envy.

Tail: "Can I start a Mercenary Guild!

Fang Chang: "Umm, that’s an unanticipated path, you could try it."

WC has real mosquitoes: "Wait! What about my hand grenade? No one bought it!? (ﾟДﾟ#)"

Night Ten: "That’s overcharged, who stuffs a half-pound of dynamite into a hand grenade? It got confiscated right at the door!"

WC has real mosquitoes: "Damn! My Crack Claw Crab Mine!"

Old White: "...I think it might be enough for an anti-tank."

Canyon-running Mole: "What about the exoskeletons? Did you see any exoskeletons? Damn, Red River Town is too poor!"

Fang Chang: "It’s written in the post, take a good look."

Giant Stone City has exoskeletons.

Not only the basic KV-1 models but also series 2 and 3, and even the improved type a and b models priced from a thousand to tens of thousands of chips.

This stuff is like cars in the real world, with different styles, customizations, and vastly different prices.

The cheapest basic model is practically selling a power source and a small motor, while the expensive, high-end models are not only equipped with armor plates but also a helmet outfitted with night vision and thermal imaging devices. Even though it uses the same solid hydrogen technology, the batteries made from different materials and technologies vary greatly in safety and endurance.

However, those expensive ones are not up on the shelves, they usually require a special order.

After all, not everyone can afford so much money, in most cases, the mercenaries’ choice is still the KV-1 which is slightly more expensive than a rifle.

But what Chu Guang didn’t expect was that KV-1 Exoskeletons were so cheap on Giant Stone City’s shelves, just 600 chips?

The actual production cost might well be only half that number.

Seeing what the little players were posting on the Forum, Chu Guang couldn’t help but reminisce about the days of old – someone had once taken 2 kilograms of blue mushrooms from him for merely 200 chips and then turned around and sold him a set of KV-1 Exoskeletons for 800 chips each.

"That’s Crow’s hard-earned money!"

"Is it fair?"

However, when Chu Guang thought about the devices List had spent hundreds of thousands of chips to purchase from Giant Stone City, he couldn’t be bothered over a few hundred chips.

If he didn’t sell to him, he could only sell to Old Leech.

Most of the time, what he could do was not to choose the best option from two seemingly good choices but to pick the less terrible option from two poor choices.

Anyway, he had kept his promise and had thoroughly fleeced the guy once.

No, to say fleeced was too vulgar.

It should be called a win-win!

...

While Brother Elder Fang was busy replying to posts, Shu Yu had finally finished all his tasks and the office of Shelter No. 404 in Giant Stone City was successfully established.

Covering a total area of 120 square meters, with no shared public costs and excluding the entrance—spanning three floors, the monthly rental was 800 chips. The first floor was used as a lobby, and the second and third floors as a hostel for players to rest.

Depending on the circumstances, Chu Guang would consider whether to set up a save point here, installing some Sleep Cabins to facilitate players saving their games.

The area near the industrial zone of Giant Stone City had an electric grid, and a chip could buy 10 kilowatt-hours of electricity. Some people would buy wood-fired generators to produce their own energy or tie solar panels on their rooftops.

Others used a mix of both.

However, buying a generator could cost into the thousands, which was not suitable at the current stage.

With only 10,000 chips available, Shu Yu did not dare to squander. After paying three months’ rent and one month’s deposit, the remaining 6,800 chips needed to be split, with half spent on renovation and furnishing.

This was a directive from the Manager.

Even with the strained budget, the place still had to be renovated with "the flavor of the Adventurers Guild" based on the images he provided.

Shouldn’t it have been styled like a Business Association?

Shu Yu was somewhat puzzled but didn’t take it to heart, assuming it was just a personal preference of the Manager.

After leasing the site, he promptly set up the communication base station, hanging the antenna on the rooftop, camouflaged with some inconspicuous items.

With this device, players’ VMs could finally receive messages from the shelter!

However, possibly due to the high enclosing wall, the signal here was exceptionally weak.

Deep into the night.

Finally having finished the day’s work, Shu Yu hung the headset around his ears and made contact with the Manager back at the shelter.

"Sir, as per your instructions, I’ve contacted the local renovation company for the construction. The renovation of the lobby is expected to be completed within a week! The second and third floors will be finished within two weeks!"

"Well done, you did a great job."

A voice of approval came from the other end of the phone, then paused before continuing.

"With the venue squared away, we also need to address the employment issue promptly. I need you to hire some locals who are familiar with the area, at least ten people, half for fieldwork and half for office tasks."

Field workers would be responsible for liaising with players and interacting with locals.

This was something Chu Guang promised in the version, to provide players a more convenient channel by employing higher-level NPCs to help them sell their items.

When not busy, they could also gather market information, collect local rumors, and compile them into intelligence to send back to the shelter.

Soon the entire Qingquan City would become lively.

By then, one should be able to hear plenty of interesting tidbits.

As for the office staff, plainly speaking, they are civil servants, including receptionists for players, business handlers, and clerks who issue tasks, as well as those who negotiate other businesses with locals.

If any unemployed engineers or other shelters’ Blue Jackets were found, they could offer them a new place to go.

If they were willing,

"... you can conduct the training for employees according to the handbook I sent you, and the salary can be slightly higher than the market rate. We can’t rely on their loyalty, but we can bind them to our chariot with benefits."

"You handle it yourself, I trust your capabilities."

Holding the headphones with both hands, Shu Yu nodded seriously.

"Alright, sir, but there is a problem now... We only have 3,400 chips left in our account. Even if we go by the minimum standard here, we would need to pay an employee three chips per day, and considering we need to cover their food and lodging, the actual cost might be four to five chips, reaching up to 150 chips for the actual monthly employment cost. If we hire 10 people at a time, with our current funds, we could last for a maximum of two months."

It wasn’t just that the funds in the account were insufficient.

More crucial was the source of the funds!

For an organization serving hundreds or even thousands of people, it couldn’t always rely on subsidies from the shelter, especially since the shelter didn’t have that many chips in reserve.

Hearing his concerns, Chu Guang spoke in a reassuring tone.

"Don’t worry, the funding issue will be resolved soon. I hope you won’t have to worry about chips in the future. Once the trade route opens, the import and export of bulk commodities between the shelter and Giant Stone City will be your responsibility, and 10% of the transaction value will serve as your funds."

"But remember, you are not a profit-oriented organization, but a public institution serving the collective of the shelter."

"I hope you bear this in mind!"

In simple terms, department KPI assessments shouldn’t consider the retention of department funds. No wasting, but no need to be overly frugal, and definitely don’t fight with other departments over funds.

Your promotion or appointment wouldn’t depend on this. If you raise import prices just for a bit of funding, you’ll have a tough time.

However, what Chu Guang considered simple might be a bit difficult for people in this world, so he simply switched to an explanation that Shu Yu could understand.

Shu Yu of course understood, and couldn’t help but feel a bit of admiration.

Not for profit, but prioritizing the collective’s interests.

No wonder he could govern such a vast territory, uniting those undisciplined waste land wanderers.

Such far-reaching vision and this level of ideological realm truly weren’t comparable for ordinary wanderers...

...

The next day.

Early in the morning, not long after four little players had woken up, they were summoned by that NPC named Shu Yu.

Geared up, Night Ten spoke with gusto.

"What are we going to do today?"

Shu Yu spoke in the imperfect language of the shelter.

"Employment, workers."

Recruiting new NPCs?!

Can players be involved in this?!

When the four little players heard this, their eyes lit up.

Especially Night Ten, who was thrilled.

"Will you consider our opinions?"

Shu Yu paused for a moment, glanced at the VM, and nodded as he watched the subtitles pop up on the screen.

"Yes."

Of course.

After all, this office was there to serve them.

Rather, their opinions were very important.

"Hahaha, nice!"

Night Ten swung his fist excitedly, his face full of excitement.

Shu Yu: "...?"

"Naisu?"

What does that mean?

Although the VM translated it, after looking for a long time, he still didn’t understand what the translation meant.

Wild Wind looked helplessly at Fang Chang, only to find this guy was also not serious, just pinching his chin mumbling.

"We really should pay attention to this... after all, these are companions we’ll be interacting with daily."

Who could refuse a beautiful, fair-skinned elder sister softly saying "Be careful on the road," "Stay safe," or "I’ll be waiting for your return"?

Even a vibrant "Cheer up" could be very motivating!

Fang Chang swore, it really wasn’t just his personal preference but seriously for everyone’s sake.

Wild Wind sighed.

"Let’s analyze it rationally..."

Fang Chang immediately guessed what he was about to say and interrupted his spellcasting.

"Nice talk, now you can shut up."

Night Ten: "Screw off, I don’t want rational!"

Old White: "Well, rather than being reasonable, I actually value the gamification more."

"..."

Wild Wind thought it might be better not to say anything more.

The person leading the way was the guard from List Commercial Team, that man called Kaia with the bandaged arm.

After several turns, they arrived at a bustling market.

However, unlike other markets.

The stalls here did not sell a dazzling array of goods, but people.

Some sold others, and some sold themselves.

"This is the largest ’Talent Market’ in Giant Stone City! Whether free people or slaves, you can find them here!"

"Occasionally, you might even see androids brought by external commercial teams or even good items discarded by the Inner City nobles."

"There’s no bigger talent market in Qingquan City. If you don’t find anyone here who meets your criteria, you’d have to try your luck in the slums outside, but the quality there is much worse...I think you probably wouldn’t be interested."

After a brief introduction, Kaia smiled slightly and looked at Shu Yu and the others standing beside him.

"Take your time picking, just be careful of those with obvious markings on their bodies. These people might be gang members, some even looters; unless you’re confident in your eyes, it’s best to be cautious."

Shu Yu looked at him unexpectedly.

"There are looters here?"

"Of course, the gates of Giant Stone City are open to everyone, and looters wouldn’t write their deeds on their faces. But identifying them is actually easy, perceiving aura is a required course for any experienced warrior."

With a confident smile on his face, Kaia continued.

"I’m free until it gets dark, so if you’re undecided, I’m willing to serve you!"

He was just a temporary worker at the Commercial Team.

Although he had been working for a year, he was far from being a core staff member. If the market was bad, he might be fired next year and would have to make his living in the Wasteland.

It was never a mistake to get on good terms with these people.

He was very clear that without the connection to Professor List, these people wouldn’t even glance at him if they passed him on the street.

Being a man even the boss needed to please, he certainly wouldn’t miss an opportunity to curry favor.

Book Yu, with his mind solely on his work, had far fewer psychological machinations; he nodded his thanks and then walked forward with the players.

This place was more like a refugee camp than a job market. It was definitely large but the quality was hardly satisfactory.

Skin and bones were common here, and most faces carried a pale hue, living on those "not at all nutritious nutrient pastes."

A few were dressed in neat business attire, holding signs filled with words describing their skills and job requirements.

Some set up a booth, charging to write on others’ signs.

[Zhao Duo, Electrical Engineer, daily salary expectation 20 chips, accepts 12-hour shifts, can do carpentry and assemble iron pipe rifles.]

[Bi Lechi, Blacksmith, has worked in a steel mill, skilled with both small and large tools, 6 chips daily salary, 5 chips also acceptable if two meals are provided, not accepting work outside the city.]

[Lim, skilled with guns, daggers, skilled with everything.]

[...]

Looking at the scene in front of them, Fang Chang and Night Ten despaired.

"I’m despairing of the future era."

"What happened to everyone having improved genes?"

As far as the eye could see.

There were hardly any faces that were clear and lively.

"You two are seasoned players, why does it seem like it’s your first time in the Game..." Old White cleared his throat, "Given the nutritional conditions in the Wasteland, isn’t it rare to look good?"

"Yeah, the poor here are too skinny, but there are some pretty girls among the mercenaries..." Wild Wind’s gaze was fixed on a beauty in a leather jacket, but he reflexively dodged when she looked over.

Night Ten argued, pulling out a counterexample: "But, Little Fish!"

Fang Chang rolled his eyes at him.

"Her nutrition isn’t bad, okay? See if the Manager has ever missed a meal for her?"

Wild Wind nodded, making a fair comment.

"Indeed, compared to when we first entered the Game, the young girl seems to have grown a bit taller."

It wasn’t just Little Fish.

Younger NPCs from the Outpost Base, mostly still decent-looking, especially those still growing.

Like the young Xu Shun beside them, and Lu Bei who went to Red River Town with Brother Mole.

These were the names they could recall.

And the tribesmen next door, they had a bit of exotic aura too.

A realization dawned in Night Ten’s eyes.

"I get it, the version update’s answer is fostering!"

Old White: "..."

Fang Chang: "Corporate-level understanding."

Wild Wind held his forehead.

"Please, try to be human."

...

While Book Yu and the players were selecting employees, on the other side, at the Gray Squirrel Clothing Store today, Xi Er was still dozing off behind the counter.

The two pieces of clothing in the window had disappeared.

Not because they were sold or lost, but rented out to those in need.

After all, the Blue Jackets would be staying here for several days, and it would occupy his prime location for nothing if they were sold.

Lost or damaged?

Even better.

Just compensate according to the price tag.

Doing business with acquaintances was reliable.

The door banged open suddenly, startling Xi Er, who almost fell off his chair.

Seeing it was Luo Bo, his old friend who ran a bar, Xi Er immediately cursed irritably.

"What are you doing? Can’t you be gentle when you enter?"

Luo Bo paid him no heed, his eyes gleaming as he stepped forward, placing his hands on the wooden counter, and said with spittle flying,

"Got any more of those clothes?!"

Xi Er: "Yes..."

Luo Bo continued nonstop: "I’ll take as many as you have! And those stockings, the really long kind!"

Xi Er was stunned.

"All of it?"

A sudden realization.

The previously half-asleep Xi Er was now fully alert, looking at him seriously.

"No problem, but those are Devil Silk, and it’s Shelter technology... might be a bit difficult to get."

"But—"

Xi Er dragged out his words, his tone shifting.

"For the sake of our relationship, I can think of a way."

The disappointed Luo Bo immediately grabbed his hand upon hearing the latter part, excitedly saying,

"Thanks, my good brother!"

Xi Er cleared his throat.

"Cough, chips..."

"Ha ha, look at my memory! Almost forgot the most important thing!" Luo Bo chuckled, releasing his grip and reaching into his pocket. He brought out a bag of high-denomination chips and slapped them on the counter.

"Money for the deposit is included, 600 chips are all here! The rest will serve as down payment!"

Amazed by his straightforwardness, Xi Er quickly pocketed the chips, looking at him and asking,

"What do you want all those clothes for?"

"You know I run a bar!"

"I know that..."

"Then you definitely don’t know what happened yesterday. I’m not bragging, but yesterday you should have come to my place for a drink," Luo Bo animatedly said, "when my dancer stepped onto the stage wearing that outfit, the whole bar went wild!"

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