I will be stronger after the remake

Tang Ping said, "After thinking about it carefully, I realized that the ceiling for technical streamers is still too low, and the competition among streamers is fierce these days, so it's not easy to stand out."

"Indeed, five years ago the live streaming industry was still a blue ocean, but now it's a deep red ocean. Many newcomers have entered the market, and it's really hard to stand out without some talent for creating entertaining content."

While agreeing with the viewpoint, Ma Feiyan leaned out to look at the finished video and said, "You're going to shoot a live-action interactive video game, right? There are quite a few works like this abroad, but it seems like there's never been one in China before. Anyway, I don't remember any. How did you come up with the idea to shoot this?"

As a semi-gaming content creator, she is not a novice; she has played related games.

"You've already stated the reason: because there isn't one yet, I want to be the first to try something new. As a pioneer, as long as I don't fail too badly, it's a great success, just like the blue ocean and red ocean."

Tang Ping had repeated this reason countless times, to the point that she almost believed it herself.

Ma Yiming steered the conversation back to the main point: "Have you read the character script I sent you?"

"I've looked at it. It's a pure and innocent young lady. Her characteristics are purity and kindness. This kind of character is relatively simple. There are many anime characters with similar settings in Japanese manga. If it were a more complex character, I really wouldn't dare to agree."

Tang Ping reminded, "When Chunzi first appeared, she was indeed just innocent and kind. In the middle of the story, she found her life goal and developed a sense of mission. But there's no rush. You can experience it slowly during the acting process. As for the appearance fee, my filming budget is limited, so I may not be able to offer a high price."

"It's okay, it's okay. I already mentioned it to my brother before I came. No appearance fee is fine, as long as you agree to let me do a live broadcast or upload a video. I promise not to film any content that involves spoilers."

“It can be broadcast live; it’s not something that needs to be kept secret.” Tang Ping handed a contract to Ma Feiyan. “Take it back to your room and look at it slowly. If you think it’s acceptable, then sign it.”

"No need, I trust my brother's judgment."

Without even glancing at it, Ma Feiyan picked up a pen and signed her name on the contract. Then she turned to her brother and said, "Brother, could you help me take my luggage to my room?"

"Don't you have hands? You can't even lift something this light?" Ma Yiming said reluctantly.

Tang Ping was quite surprised to see this, as it was the first time he had ever seen Ma Yiming refuse someone's request.

You're all obedient to outsiders, but you do whatever you want to your family. You're a bully at home, aren't you?

Looking at Ma Feiyan again, he realized that she wasn't surprised by this reaction, and suddenly it dawned on him:

No wonder Ma Feiyan doesn't understand why Ma Yiming can't stay with his girlfriends for long. From her perspective, she probably can't see her brother's bad habits at all!

Chapter Fifty is coming one after another.

"Brother, you lied to me!"

Yu Shujiang arrived at the filming location huffing and puffing, and learned about the production plan for "The Invisible Guardian" from Tang Ping. She immediately felt cheated.

"Where did I lie to you? It cost nine million to make games, and every single one of them is real."

"Of that nine million, I bet eight million was spent on filming, and the remaining one million was for game production costs."

Tang Ping corrected with a serious expression: "Including post-production, the estimated cost of filming is seven million."

"That's only two million... Well, two million is a big production for an AVG."

The AVG games that Yu Shujiang made in the past, not counting her own labor, cost less than 20,000 yuan, which was mainly used for drawing and character design—some of which she also does herself.

"What are you thinking? The remaining two million should be used for publicity and promotion."

Tang Ping ruthlessly exposed the other party's illusions.

"If you take away another two million, then there's nothing left... So you were just trying to get something for nothing!"

Yu Shujiang belatedly realized what was happening, and immediately became so angry that her chest swelled up, and she couldn't help but scratch the person.

"What do you mean by 'getting something for free'? That sounds so awful. Why should we siblings be so petty about it?"

Tang Ping hurriedly reached out and pressed the other person's forehead to prevent them from getting closer, then gently persuaded them, "I can let you put the producer's name on the game and release it using your Steam account. In any case, with a cost of seven million and a marketing budget of two million, the game's sales won't be bad."

"If you achieve great success, you can experience being a famous game producer. Higher profile will also help you release games in the future. Don't get caught up in the immediate benefits. Think long-term and make yourself more valuable first."

"This is a rare opportunity to work with a large team. Normally, you might not even have the chance if you paid for it. Now you can experience it for free. Money will always run out, but life experience will always accompany you as you grow. Remember, it's not income that determines your value, but your level of understanding that determines your potential."

Yu Shujiang stopped what she was doing and looked thoughtful: "Brother, what you said sounds familiar. I think I heard someone say something similar at Mom's company."

"So Mom's career succeeded, that's what you call great minds think alike." Tang Ping wiped away imaginary cold sweat. "Think about it carefully, don't you think everything I just said makes sense?"

"It seems...yes." Yu Shujiang was a little confused.

"That's it."

"But, making games also costs money. Although live-action interactive games are also a type of AVG, they are different from the visual novel games I've made in the past. I have to redesign the UI, and one person may not be able to handle it all. All kinds of materials also cost money to buy. After all, I've invested nine million, so I can't use free materials, or people will laugh at me."

Tang Ping reassured her gently, "Don't worry, I'm not a heartless capitalist. How could I let you work for me? I'll definitely reserve some funds for the game's production for you. Even if all nine million is spent, I'll personally sponsor you with 100,000. As long as you can complete the game according to the requirements, whatever amount you save is yours."

"Brother, you're so good to me." Yu Shujiang was deeply moved.

"Of course, you can start designing the game framework now. Once all the footage is shot, we'll edit it in post-production while simultaneously adding game elements, working on both fronts at the same time. Ideally, we'll finish it within two months, then launch it for marketing and distribution. See, the title of a renowned Chinese game designer is already beckoning to you."

"I understand. Send me the footage you've already shot. I'll take a look at the overall style first, and then I'll conceive the corresponding game framework based on that style."

Yu Shujiang felt full of energy and immediately took her notebook back to her room to work.

Tang Ping watched the other person's departing figure with some worry and decided to call her adoptive mother to remind her to arrange anti-PUA training courses for her younger sister.

Hmm, I'll make this call after the game is over.

At this moment, Yuan Ji, who had just led Feng Maimai over, sneered, "Your expression right now is worthy of being called a masterpiece, and its name is 'The Crocodile's Sorrow'."

Tang Ping defended his reputation with righteous indignation: "What crocodile? This is called the eagle's educational philosophy. You should have heard of it when you were a child. In order to ensure that their offspring can adapt to the harsh living environment, eagles will push the eaglets off the cliff when they grow big enough. When the eaglets fall to the bottom of the valley, they will flap their wings desperately and at the same time master the skills of survival. I did this with good intentions."

Yuan Ji paused for a moment, then pondered, "Now that you mention it, I have indeed heard my elders say that eagles are naturally strong. Young eagles already possess sharp talons and hunting abilities. Relying on their parents to hunt and deliver food will hinder their growth. Learning to hunt independently as early as possible is the only way to improve their survival skills. My martial arts master used this story to teach me to train hard."

Feng Maimai, who was traveling with him, said expressionlessly, "This is a typical marketing rumor. Eagles only breed once a year, and each time they lay only one or two eggs. They would never not cherish the chicks that are hatched with such difficulty. If we really followed the way in the story, eagles would have gone extinct long ago."

"The truth is, in the nest, the eaglet flaps its wings on its own to build strength. The parents don't force it, but patiently provide food and protection. After ten to twelve weeks, the eaglet's feathers are fully developed, and it instinctively learns to fly. In the following weeks, it will hover around the nest, learning hunting skills from its parents. Only after it is fully prepared will it truly become independent. The ability to fly has long been etched into the eagle's genes through millions of years of inheritance, which is much more effective than short-term forced learning."

Yuan Ji found it hard to accept: "So, this is fake, just like the Qingdao sewers in Germany and the Japanese elementary school summer camp?"

Feng Maimai nodded without any room for doubt.

Tang Ping, however, felt no shame whatsoever, and decisively uttered a famous saying: "You have the truth, but do you have a conscience?"

Feng Maimai retorted: "Conscience is a subjective evaluation based on public morality, and there is no fixed standard, but the truth is something that exists objectively, and there is no causal relationship between the two."

Yuan Ji said irritably, "No need to answer seriously. He's playing us. Yingying must have miscalculated that day. The most suitable spiritual person for you is not a Taoist priest, but a lobbyist like Director Hu."

Tang Ping pretended not to hear and smiled at Feng Maimai, saying, "Welcome, thank you for coming to help."

"You're welcome. However, based on objective conditions, I must remind you that I have no acting experience and may not be able to help, or even hinder you. I hope you have made this decision after careful consideration."

"Don't worry, I'm not the kind of person who practices nepotism in my career."

Feng Maimai crossed her arms in front of her chest: "Wrong, the term 'nepotism' is inappropriate here. Also, please be informed that my sister will arrive tomorrow."

Chapter 51 Profit Sharing Contract

“I have two types of compensation contracts here. One is to pay an appearance fee, which is between 30,000 and 50,000 depending on the number of shots. The other is to participate in profit sharing, which is also based on the number of shots, and you get 2% to 3%. I personally recommend the second one.”

Tang Ping took out two types of contract documents and spoke to the group of acquaintances.

This was his way of retaliating against Youxing Entertainment Company: by having his friends participate in the profit sharing, he effectively reduced the company's revenue. Although his own earnings would also decrease, he wasn't making "The Invisible Guardian" for the money in the first place, so he was happy to be a generous spender.

Director Hu guessed what Tang Ping was thinking and reminded her, "For such a major event involving profit sharing, we must notify Youxing Entertainment Company, after all, it is also an investor."

Tang Ping said, "We have already notified them, and they have no objections. Obviously, they are not optimistic about this project and think that it will not make much money, or even lose money. Since the profit is meager, they don't care about being taken away."

Ma Yiming remarked, "That's quite generous. Even a mosquito bite is still meat. Didn't they take the opportunity to make any demands?"

Yuan Ji snorted and said, "Naive. You think too highly of capitalists."

Tang Ping explained, "They would agree because, on the one hand, they don't want to make enemies with me, since they won't make much money anyway, and there's no need to cause trouble over it. On the other hand, they think that this way they can save hundreds of thousands in appearance fees. If the game's sales happen to break even, they will earn hundreds of thousands in profit because they saved on appearance fees."

Hu Ze coughed and said, "There's nothing wrong with the decision itself. The difference is that Tang Ping thinks the game will sell well, while the company doesn't think the project will succeed."

He was willing to accept defeat, so he did not object to Tang Ping's actions, which were clearly retaliatory, and even though his stance was to value peace, he felt there was nothing wrong with it.

It's inevitable for people to have conflicts when they get along, but things are fine as they are now, with both sides exercising restraint.

Although Youxing Entertainment Company was not optimistic about the project, they still reluctantly invested money and used their connections to provide professional crew members, saving a lot of preparation time.

Although Tang Ping schemed against the company, even if everything went as he wished, the company would only make less money and would not suffer a loss.

"It's signed, here you go."

While the group was talking, Feng Maimai silently signed the profit-sharing agreement.

Tang Ping said, "Won't you think about it more? I'm just recommending it, not forcing you."

Without hesitation, Feng Maimai replied, "I trust your judgment."

Feng Yingying handed over the signed contract with a smile. Although she didn't say anything, the smile on her face said it all.

Ma Yiming chuckled and said, "That's right. Since you recommend the second option, of course I'll support you, brother."

The others either had a positive outlook on the game or didn't care, and they all signed the revenue-sharing agreement, leaving only Ma Feiyan somewhat hesitant.

Seeing Ma Yiming's questioning gaze, she quickly explained, "It's not that I don't believe the game can be successful. Judging from my years of experience playing games, it shouldn't be difficult for this game to make a small profit. But as I said before, as long as you agree to let me do a live broadcast on set, you don't need to pay an appearance fee. I won't sign either of the two contracts."

Upon hearing this, Tang Ping advised, "After the footage is shot, I hope you can participate in the game's promotion and help promote the game. Consider this contract as your business fee."

"Actually, there's no need for that. I really like this game, not to mention I even acted in it myself. Even if they don't invite me, I'll still promote the game myself."

"These are two different things. Friendship is friendship, and business is business."

Ma Yiming also advised, "Hey, why are you thinking so much? Just accept it if it's given to you; it won't hurt you."

"Brother, you really don't understand anything."

Ma Feiyan looked helpless, but still signed the profit-sharing agreement.

Tang Ping put away the contract and said, "Time is tight and the task is heavy. I ask everyone to focus on filming from now on. If you have any questions, please raise them in time, and I will do my best to solve them."

The group gradually dispersed; those with scenes went to the filming location, while those without scenes returned to their rooms to study their characters and scripts.

Seeing that everyone else had left, Yu Shujiang quietly approached and said, "Brother, you've changed."

Has this girl finally realized she's been fooled?

Tang Ping was somewhat relieved, but remained outwardly calm, pretending not to know, and asked, "What has changed?"

"When you were in college, your mom told you to find a girlfriend and date. As a result, you remained single for four years. I thought you would continue to be single until one day your mom urged you to get married. As an honest person, you entered the matchmaking market. I didn't expect to meet so many beautiful women right after graduation, each with a different temperament."

Yu Shujiang revealed a smug smile: "Tell me honestly, who has the best chance of becoming my sister-in-law?"

"What are you thinking about all day long? Whether I'm in a relationship or not has nothing to do with whether I know any beautiful women. I don't have gynophobia. As a civil servant, it's normal to know a few female friends."

"It's normal to have female friends, but it's not normal to have so many beautiful women," Yu Shujiang said with a disdainful look. "Brother, you've become dishonest. You're actually making excuses for this kind of thing. Sure enough, men with money become bad."

Tang Ping protested, "I don't have any money either. Besides, don't you know any handsome guys? Think about it carefully, aren't there a few particularly handsome boys among your high school and junior high school classmates?"

Yu Shujiang recalled, "Now that you mention it, there are indeed a few handsome guys in the class. Although their behavior is very childish, they are quite good-looking."

"Put yourself in their shoes. If there are handsome boys, there will naturally be beautiful girls. So it's only natural that anyone who has been to school knows a few beautiful girls."

"Yes, it seems so."

Yu Shujiang nodded somewhat blankly, but something felt off. She thought about it carefully but couldn't figure it out: "Brother, you're not trying to fool me, are you?"

"With your intelligence, do you think I could fool you?"

Yu Shujiang thought about it carefully and said, "That's hard to say."

Damn, why isn't this girl playing by the rules?

Tang Ping abruptly ended the conversation: "In short, stop overthinking and stop tattling. Instead of wasting your time, think more about how to design the game. You signed a contract today, which shows that I really have no intention of taking your labor for free. If the game is a big success, you'll get a share of the profits. Whether it's for fame or for profit, work hard while you're young so you can increase your value."

"Stop talking, I feel like you're going to fool me again... Hmm, why did I say 'again'?"

Tang Ping ignored her sister, who was caught in self-doubt. Now that the script was complete, the crew was assembled, and the funding was in place, all that was left was to go all out and complete the filming in one go.

He patted his cheeks to cheer himself up and strode towards the filming location. As the lead actor, he had the most scenes.

Chapter 52 Zhao Yeman

A rented bar counter in the style of the Republic of China era.

Tang Ping, who plays Tang Ping, and Zhao Yeman, who plays Zhuang Xiaoman, are rehearsing their lines.

That's right, Tang Ping changed the male protagonist's name to her own, attempting to boost her fame by matching the character's image with her name, thereby deepening the player's impression.

The original male protagonist's name "Xiao Tu" may have some kind of symbolic meaning. For example, in the Kuomintang line, the male protagonist did not hesitate to recognize Director Zheng as his godfather for the sake of his future, and changed his name to "Zheng Tu", which is a homophone for "the right path", full of irony.

But none of this concerns Tang Ping. He didn't bring up "The Invisible Guardian" to spread culture in another world, but to portray Ling Ge.

He knew that the first priority in doing things was to distinguish between primary and secondary tasks, and he must never copy others and end up deceiving himself, thinking that he was really talented.

At the bar, Tang Ping and Zhao Yeman stood close together. The former looked exhausted as she drank, while the latter deliberately probed, saying things full of malice.