Earlier, in an upscale apartment in a major city,
Liang Xiaohai, the founder of Gatling Media Company, was eagerly donning a VR gaming headset, ready to continue his immersive simulation.
His father was the owner of a vast real estate conglomerate, renowned nationwide, his name synonymous with wealth and prestige.
Liang Xiaohai was born with a golden key in hand; when others spoke of him, they often referred to him as "that son of Boss Liang," "the super rich second-generation," or "the national son-in-law."
This constant labeling deeply frustrated the proud Liang Xiaohai, compelling him to diligently study multiple languages and travel abroad for further education, all in hopes of one day escaping the overshadowing aura of his father's legacy.
Upon returning from his studies abroad, he utilized his savings of five hundred thousand and a generous sponsorship of five hundred million from his mother to establish Gatling Media and the online platform "Gatling TV," embarking on his entrepreneurial journey.
However, the venture quickly spiraled into a disastrous loss…
Had it not been for a group of female gaming streamers navigating murky waters, Gatling TV would have likely closed its doors earlier this year.
"Now the situation has changed!"
Liang Xiaohai grinned broadly, unable to conceal his glee.
Who could have anticipated that a random purchase of a trendy blind box would yield an artifact capable of transforming the fate of his company?
This VR gaming device, emblazoned with the "Le Gao" logo, appeared plastic and lightweight, reminiscent of cheap merchandise.
However, the unnamed game pre-installed within it harbored a value that defied description; it was distinctly a tangible world!
"Since I began posting related updates, my follower count has surged by over one hundred fifty thousand...
If this momentum continues for a few more days, revitalizing Gatling TV will be a breeze!
An exclusive offering across the internet… truly a gift from the heavens! Am I destined to be the chosen one described in novels?"
The more he pondered, the more delighted he became. With a glance, he confirmed that the small circular sensors adhered to him properly before confidently pressing the power button on the VR headset.
These sensors connected by fine wires to the headset would provide him with a simulated physical experience within the "game."
Although the exact principles remained obscured, the effectiveness was undeniably potent!
Ding!
With a crisp notification sound, Liang Xiaohai opened his eyes to find himself in a medieval-style port town.
Inhaling the remarkably realistic scent of the sea breeze, he took a deep breath, filled with anticipation as he prepared to explore the city.
"Previously, I merely captured screenshots of the harbor's outskirts, prompting uproarious reactions from netizens.
If I were to meticulously gather images of the streets and buildings, along with close-ups of the NPC characters, they would undoubtedly erupt in fervent debate!"
Having worked in the internet industry for a considerable time, Liang Xiaohai, despite his lack of significant success, was well aware of the underlying dynamics at play.
He was indifferent to the doubts and insults of netizens; the more heated their arguments, the greater the traffic for Gatling TV!
"Unfortunately, I cannot communicate freely with the NPCs at this stage; otherwise, I could generate more sensational topics…"
As Liang Xiaohai walked along the cobblestone streets into the city, he glanced around eagerly.
Whenever he encountered a suitable scene, he would immediately capture it with the screenshot function, all the while straining to listen to the conversations between NPCs, leveraging his language skills to learn some local dialect.
Minutes later, he felt a creeping unease, as if someone were watching him from the shadows…
"Is it just my imagination?"
He tried to dart into a narrow alley, but the sensation of being observed persisted.
After several twists and turns, a disoriented Liang Xiaohai came to an abrupt halt.
He found himself encircled by four men dressed in a menacing fashion!
"What do you want? I haven't wronged you, have I?"
Liang Xiaohai demanded, his voice raised as he repeatedly attempted to exit the game, yet the VR headset failed to respond.
He didn't speak the language of this miniature world, and his words likely sounded like meaningless babble such as "Abba Abba" to those around him.
"What is this kid babbling about?"
The leader of the thugs, visibly annoyed, spat at Liang Xiaohai before turning to ask, "Is he the one Justin is looking for?"
One of the underlings, possessing a good memory, scrutinized Liang Xiaohai's face for a moment before nodding affirmatively. "Boss Pei, it's him!"
"Very well!"
The leader, named Pei, smirked with satisfaction, drawing a dagger with a swift flick of his wrist.
With a soft thwip, Liang Xiaohai's eyes widened in terror as he clutched his neck, struggling to contain the spurting blood!
His vision rapidly faded to darkness…
Swish!
With a flourish, Pei sheathed his blade and whistled, "Thirty silver coins in hand! Tonight, we'll enjoy beer and beauties at Old John's Tavern!"
Upon hearing this, the underlings beamed with delight, efficiently stuffing Liang Xiaohai's corpse into a sack while also cleaning up the bloodstains on the ground.
Clearly, this was not their first experience with such "delivery services."
Meanwhile, in the upscale apartment,
"Ah—!"
Liang Xiaohai screamed, immediately followed by rapid gasps for air.
He forcefully removed the VR headset and tossed it aside, his face pale as a sheet.
"Goodness, I nearly thought I would truly die in there…"
Since starting his entrepreneurial venture, Liang Xiaohai had moved out of his family's villa and lived alone in the apartment, which lacked even a servant; he had no choice but to rise and pour himself a glass of water to calm his nerves.
After gathering himself, he opened Gatling TV to post an update titled "I Am Dead!"
As the number of responses quickly surpassed thirty thousand, with people clamoring to know what had transpired, Liang Xiaohai shared the screenshots he had taken just before his "death," along with his account of the experience.
[Namo Gatling Bodhisattva: Shortly after I entered that town, I was followed by several thugs who cornered me in an alley. They barely exchanged words before drawing their blades and killing me! The pain felt as real as if I had truly died… [Image][Image]]
As this new update emerged, comments flooded in below.
[Tsk, there he goes again with the exaggerations! What game can replicate such realistic pain? /Nose picking]
[Oh my, look at those close-up shots of the NPCs; they look so lifelike! I could even see the thug's nose hairs…]
[Could this be an initial quest in the game? Perhaps requiring you to eliminate a certain number of thugs?]
At this moment, Wang Hui was also monitoring Liang Xiaohai's movements.
"I must admit, Justin's efficiency is commendable; this shrewd student was not taken on for nothing!"
He chuckled, contemplating Liang Xiaohai's grim demise, uncertain if he could log back into the Bay miniature world.
If he could be reborn like in a game, the next directive should shift from "eliminate" to "imprison."
Wang Hui had observed that each time he appeared, it was always at the same location as when he disappeared. By keeping a close watch on this lad, he need not worry about any unforeseen variables!
He turned his gaze toward the Bay World, his expression suddenly shifting.
A large fleet of warships was departing from Reverse Wind Port, and the rooftop of the building where Lilia and Justin were located was draped in red cloth!