Su Mo opened the browser, just about to search for information related to Star Ring.
Suddenly, there was a loud explosion in the sky outside, and a torrential downpour accompanied by strong winds struck.
Whoosh~~
The windows in the room were blown open directly, and rainwater splashed inside.
Su Mo got up and walked to the window, glanced at the torrential rain outside, and then stretched out his hand to close the window properly.
Afterward, he headed back to the computer. However, just as he reached the chair, he saw an overwhelming barrage of advertisements attack the screen.
The application of brand-new ZR technology will give you an immersive experience.
An epic Star Sea masterpiece, to let you experience a different life and seek the ultimate truth of existence.
One grand promotional film after another emerged, showing desolate modern cities, raging seas, and the ice age.
Then the image changed, massive planets began to shrink, brilliant stars appeared before his eyes, countless fleets, dark cannons, cold Mecha, followed by the chilling shadows of giant beasts covering the fleets....
The imagery was vivid, stirring up excitement.
When the promotional film ended, a line of text popped up: "The team will shine because of you."
Seeing the word "team," Su Mo also became interested. If it weren't a bait-and-switch, the promo made it seem quite impressive, and it looked like this might even be a team game.
He continued browsing related information, growing more and more astonished.
This was actually the first-ever global access game, also jointly developed and released by governments of the Federation. Moreover, it had no recharge feature, ensuring an absolutely fair and just game.
At the same time, the game didn't have a designated currency. Players would choose and create the currency themselves.
Gold and silver in the game could be linked to real-world gold and silver at a certain ratio depending on the version. However, they could only be exchanged out and not recharged into the game.
Additionally, officially authorized by the Federation Government, the first Heavenly Cup competition would be held. And the ultimate winner of the Star Ring Game, whether an individual or a team, would receive a cash reward of 100 billion yuan, as well as all the operational earnings of the entire Star Ring.
Reading this, Su Mo's surprise grew. An uncontrollable thought crossed his mind. Why did the rewards for this Heavenly Cup competition seem so terrifying? And there was a definite scent of gunpowder. Could it be that the nations were preparing to resolve their conflicts within the game?
Before Su Mo could ponder further, countless pop-up ads appeared.
"Domineering Guild is sincerely inviting you to join. Our guild has many sisters, great benefits, and provides a five-insurances and one-housing-fund package. Actively recruiting top-level combat gamers, lifestyle gamers, real-world Doctors, Nurses, Butchers, Planters, Miners, Mercenaries, etc., with priority acceptance...."
"Brotherhood, those who come are brothers, if you're a brother, come and join us! Big brother promises, compensation for refusal!! Come quickly!!"
....
Dozens of recruitment ads popped up on Su Mo's computer.
All these ads were paid promotions, of the inextricable plaster sort that wouldn't allow closure, requiring a click or complete viewing.
With no other choice, Su Mo clicked one, and immediately a very formal membership application form popped up, even requiring a bank card number. It was clearly stated that anyone whose application was rejected would receive a compensation of 50 yuan.
These guilds were certainly spending a fortune.
After some effort, Su Mo finally closed all the ads and continued browsing the related information.
He discovered that the official release of game content was quite limited. It was known only that it was a future science fiction game, and with the upgrade of versions, civilizations would gradually be unlocked. Specific gameplay wasn't revealed much, only that this game claimed to have the ultimate ZR, with a simulation level of one hundred percent.
Su Mo was always skeptical about this data.
Later, Su Mo also found the social media platform for Star Ring, built by the largest communication software companies worldwide, specifically for discussing Star Ring intelligence and making friends. The number of registered users had exceeded one billion, and considering the entire world population had grown to 10 billion after two hundred years of recovery, this was significant.
Out of curiosity, Su Mo registered an account and entered the bustling forum. There were already over one hundred million posts online, mostly seeking teammates or guild members.
According to the official release, the game would officially open in three days.
Now, everyone is desperately preparing for the game.
The estimated number of participants is expected to create a historic miracle, not to mention the bounty of Heavenly Cup, which alone is enough to drive 99.99999% of the world's population crazy, let alone the fact that the gold and silver inside can be exchanged for real currency.
It's simply a paradise for treasure hunters, miners, and explorers.
You have to know how many people, after completing their assigned tasks, are left with nothing to do all day long.
Su Mo is also praying silently, hoping it's not all fake and exaggerated publicity, as that would be too boring.
....
The next day, Su Mo was sound asleep in bed.
Buzz buzz~
The mobile phone on the side started vibrating.
Su Mo slowly opened his eyes, picked up the old mobile phone beside him, glanced at it, and sat up to answer.
"Uncle Wang."
"Su Mo, I have sorted out the renovation and equipment budget for the internet cafe, why don't you come over so we can discuss it?"
"That was quick."
"There's no helping it, I'll explain the details when you get here."
"Alright!"
Su Mo ended the call with Uncle Wang and got out of bed.
He walked to the bathroom to freshen up and changed into a set of casual clothes.
Just as he was pushing the front door open, the raging storm had dissipated. Before him was the vast expanse of blue sky. The sun, bright and dazzling post-rain, shone directly onto his face.
"The rain's stopped, huh!"
At that moment, his gloomy mood seemed to have lightened considerably.
A moment later, Su Mo arrived at the shabby internet cafe, where Uncle Wang was already waiting at the entrance.
"Uncle Wang!"
"Su Mo, you're here, take a look at this budget sheet."
Uncle Wang took out a handwritten budget sheet and handed it to Su Mo.
"Okay, but Uncle Wang, you don't have to rush it, take it slow, don't worry about making a profit right away, health is most important."
Su Mo said as he opened and read through the budget sheet, which was obviously prepared overnight.
"We can't afford not to hurry. Just recently, a large Star Game Cafe opened in the new street across from us. Rumor has it the owner is a great beauty, and the advanced deposits are insanely popular. Look at how far the line is stretching."
Uncle Wang explained to Su Mo.
Su Mo turned his head to glance at the new street across from them and was also somewhat surprised to see that the business was extremely booming, with people queuing up for a hundred meters just to pay deposits.
"And that game is launching the day after tomorrow. We still need to book the Mecha equipment, and there's so little time left. Even if we go all out now, nothing can be done well in less than a month."
Uncle Wang too was feeling enormous pressure.
"It's fine, take it slowly."
Su Mo replied to Uncle Wang while carefully looking at the budget table, clearly listing all the items for renovation and upgrading.