At this moment, Shi Feng's emotions were indescribable; there was regret, sorrow, and joy.
It all felt like a dream.
But the cicadas chirping outside the window and the cold air blowing from the air conditioner reminded Shi Feng that all of this was real.
Looking at the family photo from his college days on his phone, Shi Feng noticed something he hadn't before: his father had gray hair now, and there were wrinkles at the corners of his mother's eyes. They had indeed aged, no longer as vibrant as before.
When he realized how his parents had aged, it was a year and a half after God's Domain had opened. The high debt, heavy labor, and stress had caused both of them to fall seriously ill. The cost of treatment would require several million credits, but at that time, Shi Feng was just a small squad leader in Penumbra Studio, and the money he earned couldn't cover such expensive expenses.
To raise money, Shi Feng tried every possible way, but it still wasn't enough. Even though Shi Feng did everything he could to sustain them, his parents passed away a few months later.
In his previous life, he didn't take good care of his parents. Who would understand the pain and regret?
Even though Shi Feng later earned millions of credits, it remained a constant source of pain for him.
He never expected fate to play such a joke on him, actually sending him back to square one, starting from scratch.
"Good, this is great, hahaha. Since I've been reborn, I'll change everything. I'll earn enough money, cure my parents' illness, and relieve them from life's burdens." Shi Feng wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes and made a silent vow.
As Shi Feng was planning his future, Hei Zi called again, urging him to go to the university for the assessment.
However, Shi Feng remained calm and composed. He dressed neatly, tidied himself up, and then headed to Jinhai University.
He was extremely familiar with Penumbra Studio.
He remembered during his college days when Lan Hailong, the eldest son of the Blue Flower Consortium CEO, established the Penumbra Gaming Studio and provided a large amount of funding, organizing talented students from Jinhai University to conquer God's Domain. He had also participated in the assessment and became a core member. Hei Zi became a peripheral member. He had been happy for quite some time back then.
Three years later, when the Penumbra Gaming Studio had him as its God Domain [Duskwalkers Union] Guild Leader, he was able to made substantial profits for the Blue Flower Consortium via God's Domain, instantly pushing the company into becoming a major entertainment company in Jinhai City. However, he was ultimately expelled by Lan Hailong himself.
Since he had time traveled into the past and had an incomparable advantage in God's Domain due to his future knowledge, he naturally didn't intend to join Penumbra Studio again, becoming a tool for others to make money. He wanted to take a different path, to strive for his own life, not relying on his parents for living expenses anymore, and paying off all debts. So, he wanted to start a business, open his own studio, establish his own company, and build his own virtual empire to live a better life.
When Shi Feng arrived at Building 1 of the university, he saw a tall and thin figure with dark skin pacing anxiously at the entrance. It was Hei Zi.
"Feng, you finally came. Fortunately, registration hasn't closed yet. Let's go in and register quickly," Hei Zi said anxiously when he saw Shi Feng.
Shi Feng shook his head and said seriously, "Hei Zi, I don't plan to join Penumbra Studio. I want to open my own studio. Will you come with me?"
Shi Feng and Hei Zi had met in a virtual game. Hei Zi had excellent skills, and they had teamed up to conquer challenges. They were like brothers. During their time in Penumbra Studio, although Hei Zi lacked gaming talent, his management skills were outstanding, managing the guild of tens of thousands of people efficiently. If Hei Zi helped, their goals could be achieved even faster. However, Shi Feng would respect Hei Zi's choice. After all, he had nothing now, and Hei Zi's family situation wasn't good either. They had both decided to become professional gamers to make a living by joining Penumbra Studio.
Hei Zi was stunned for a moment and couldn't help but lower his head in silence. Shi Feng's words came too suddenly, and today's Shi Feng felt different. He exuded confidence and tranquility, unlike his previous restless self.
After a full minute, Hei Zi looked up at Shi Feng.
"Feng, don't talk nonsense. Do you know how much a virtual helmet costs? It's 8,000 credits each. To start a studio, you need at least six people, not to mention the workspace and paying salaries. Just the initial investment alone would be seventy to eighty thousand credits, not to mention ongoing expenses. That's a lot of money. But do you have that much money now?" Hei Zi understood Shi Feng's situation very well and wanted to persuade him to give up this crazy idea.
"You're right. I don't even have enough money to buy a God's Domain virtual helmet." Shi Feng nodded silently in acknowledgment. As Hei Zi said, even seventy to eighty thousand credits would be an understatement. He remembered that the hundred-member studio recruited by Lan Feilong cost over five million credits, and later, to improve the studio's quality and strength, they spent a lot more.
"Since that's the case, why take the risk? Joining Penumbra Studio would be more stable. At least they can provide virtual helmets. Otherwise, we won't even be able to play, let alone become professional gamers." Hei Zi could see that Shi Feng understood the key issue, and he immediately felt relieved. He then grabbed Shi Feng's hand to enter the teaching building.
Shi Feng shook off Hei Zi's hand and looked at him seriously. "But I still intend to open my own studio. I don't want to be controlled by others. Hei Zi, will you join me?"
Shi Feng wouldn't force Hei Zi. After all, he had no guarantees, and he couldn't reveal the secret of being reborn. He just hoped that Hei Zi would trust him.
Seeing Shi Feng's serious expression, Hei Zi felt that Shi Feng was acting strangely today. He seemed too reckless. It was common knowledge that it was impossible to make money in the early stages of a virtual game. Did Shi Feng have a way to make money in God's Domain? Even if they made money, it would take several months. They didn't have that much time to waste.
After hesitating for a while, Hei Zi gritted his teeth and finally agreed. "I understand. We are friends, and friends go through thick and thin together, I'll join you in opening the studio. But what about the virtual helmets? Without them, we can't play the game."
Shi Feng's furrowed brow immediately relaxed, and he happily patted Hei Zi's shoulder. "Thank you for having faith in me. Don't worry about the virtual helmets. I remember there's a trial play promotion for college students in God's Domain. They distribute them in every university. As long as we show our student IDs, we can get the virtual helmets for a ten-day trial for free. Let's go check it out."
"What about after ten days?" Hei Zi's dark complexion turned even darker at this point, feeling that the future looked bleak. Why did he believe in Shi Feng? Was it because of Shi Feng's confidence and tranquility? Was it really okay to start a business with Shi Feng?
What could they accomplish in ten days?
Ten days later, they would definitely miss the prime time for major studios to recruit people. In the end, they would still need to buy virtual helmets. But where would they get the money?
To earn 16,000 credits in ten days in God's Domain was a pipe dream. Even a professional player in a team couldn't achieve that!
"As I said before, leave the issue regarding the money to me."
Shi Feng patted Hei Zi's shoulder, revealing a confident smile.
Earning 16,000 credits in ten days was unrealistic, but he had the courage of a person that came from the future. No matter what difficulties he faced, he would overcome them one by one.
And the opening of God's Domain was the beginning of his rise.
Afterward, Shi Feng took Hei Zi to collect the trial helmets and spent all their money on instant noodles, placing them by the computer desk in the rented room. Two large boxes were enough for more than ten days' worth of food. Then, he explained some things about God's Domain and quietly waited for the opening of the game.
At 9:00 p.m. on April 25th, a few faint lights flickered in the dim and quiet room.
Shi Feng lay quietly on the bed, closed his eyes, and gently clicked the start button on the helmet.
"God's Domain, here I come."
_______________
Tn: For those who are confused on how the chain goes, it's like this.
Shi Feng work as the Guild Leader of [Duskwalkers Union], the Guild on the game [God's Domain], one of the VR game that the Gaming Studio, [Penumbra Gaming Studio], invest their time into, and the Blue Flower Consortium is the name of the company who owned the [Penumbra Gaming Studio]
Basically, Blue Flower Consortium own Penumbra Gaming Studio, Penumbra Gaming Studio own Duskwalkers Union, and Shi Feng is the Guild Leader of Duskwalkers Union
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