Chapter 191

Chapter 191: Where’s Our Bonus? (Part One)

In fact, everyone had never truly felt the reality of making games. Many of them were merely completing tasks assigned by Mei Fang and distributing them in a vague manner, thinking they were just doing something for fun.

However, after seeing these bundles of cash, everyone’s mood became unsettled.

They were still high school students. These people had to ask their parents for money even to buy study materials, with their monthly allowance rarely exceeding a few hundred yuan, and they were under their parents’ supervision.

Now before them was a total of 80,000 yuan. In their parents’ generation, the monthly income was only around three to four thousand yuan. This sum was undoubtedly a huge amount that could change their outlook on life.

“Then I will distribute the year-end bonuses one by one. However, since this is related to game work, Peng Xue does not have a bonus. I hope you can understand.”

Peng Xue gave an OK gesture. “I really didn’t do any work. But Mr. Mei, don’t be so polite. I don’t mind at all!”

Mei Fang continued, “If you’re willing to continue developing with us, you can rely on Xia Yuan to form a band in the future. The profit from her album sales and performance fees will include your share. Additionally, our new project needs game music design, which may involve more software aspects, possibly handled by Liu Xiaoyu.”

“It doesn’t matter if it’s about money. As long as I can be with Yuan, that’s enough! Everyone, let’s work hard together from now on, yeah!”

Peng Xue and Xia Yuan gave each other a high-five, maintaining their usual chemistry and closeness.

Next, Mei Fang asked Lin Youxi to prepare 3,000 yuan, which was Zhang Ming’s year-end bonus. Mei Fang put the money in an envelope and handed it to Zhang Ming, then explained to everyone:

“Zhang Ming mainly handled the planning and numerical balancing for ‘The Crown.’ This is considered part of his salary and bonus.”

Zhang Ming held the money awkwardly.

“I only helped during the summer break, and I did a poor job. You keep scolding me. Is it appropriate for you to give me so much?”

“Actually, being a game planner and getting scolded is normal. Sometimes I’m just joking. Don’t take it to heart. You’ve done quite well.”

Due to his natural talent for gaming, Zhang Ming was quite adept at planning.

Mathematics was Zhang Ming’s strength, and he had also touched upon mathematical modeling in his science experimental class, which was particularly important for numerical planners.

“No, I really can’t accept this… It’s too embarrassing.”

“Take it, don’t be embarrassed!”

Mei Fang said seriously, “Anyway, your year-end bonus is the least.”

“Wow, that’s harsh!”

“Don’t cry, Zhang Ming. I don’t have a penny,” Peng Xue teased him.

After some teasing, the originally awkward atmosphere quickly turned lively, filled with laughter about Zhang Ming.

Mei Fang then distributed the bonus to Liu Xiaoyu, with Xia Yuan explaining:

“Since Xiao Yu joined Ximilu Studio, she has been helping me with music editing and backing track production. Almost all of ‘Naked Face’’s backing track was completed by her. Balancing studies and music is really tough, but Xiao Yu has always been very hardworking. So, this money is what you deserve.”

Three people contributed 7,000 yuan to Liu Xiaoyu’s bonus, which Mei Fang and Xia Yuan had agreed upon earlier.

“I only did things related to music, and I didn’t help much with the game side. Besides, I get a salary every month, so is it appropriate for me to receive so much when Zhang Ming has some planning work? How can I get more than him…”

Liu Xiaoyu muttered, unwilling to accept the bonus. Xia Yuan forcefully put the money in her arms.

“Fang said you studying music is preparing for future game music work, even as an internship. Besides, once we release albums, we’ll make more money. You always spend extra time working overtime with me, so I hope you can accept this money.”

“Actually… I really like it. I enjoy the feeling of working towards our dreams together… The lyrics written by Mei Fang and the songs composed by Yuan are very talented. I just help out a little… Of course, I’ll learn more in the future to keep up with everyone…”

Liu Xiaoyu blushed and mumbled a lot, finally unable to speak. Peng Xue led the applause, encouraging her to sit down. She sat down and started rubbing her eyes.

This lifetime, Liu Xiaoyu was a bit insecure, but inside, she still loved the things she liked just as much as in her previous life.

Mei Fang wanted to change the past by bringing her along, but she was indeed a great employee. Not only did she have the talent for the project, but she was also ambitious, strong, and willing to endure hardships, deserving of commendation.

The total year-end bonus was 80,000 yuan, but only 10,000 yuan had been distributed so far. This time, Mei Fang and Xia Yuan did not participate in the bonus distribution, leaving the remaining 70,000 yuan to be split between Yue Xinyi and Guo Yun, which seemed excessive.

Lin Youxi was responsible for distributing Yue Xinyi’s 20,000 yuan year-end bonus. She just kept handing out the money without speaking. Mei Fang pulled Lin Youxi aside.

“Do I need to say anything?”

“Are you the C Station manager or not? Should I say it or you?”

“Alright.”

Lin Youxi cleared her throat slightly: “Xinyi has been in charge of managing and operating C Station since the summer. At first glance, it might seem unrelated to the game, but C Station is currently our most important and traffic-heavy video commentary site. Our game sold 80,000 copies, and C Station played a major role, so this is what you deserve.”

Mei Fang reminded, “The main work on the copywriting for ‘Simulated Life Reboot’ was also handled by Yue Xinyi. Although we haven’t worked together directly, Yue Xinyi is indeed an indispensable member of our team.”

“Mm… Thank you.”

Yue Xinyi took the thick stack of cash from Lin Youxi amid the applause and returned to her seat.

“Little Yi, why are you so quiet? A normal person would be jumping for joy with such a large sum of money, right?”

Peng Xue kept poking Yue Xinyi, who finally broke down and pinched her face after being poked for a long time.

“Stop being so naggy… Little Snow, are you annoying! How could I not be happy? I’m super happy! I’m so happy that I don’t want to go back to school anymore. I just want to start a business with Meidog, Youxi, and Yuan. But that’s not realistic, right?”

“You’re already thinking so far ahead… That’s amazing.” Peng Xue clapped quickly.

It had to be admitted that Yue Xinyi was currently the most management-conscious member of the team. She interacted frequently with users and outsourced personnel at C Station, broadening her horizons.

Of course, there was another reason for Yue Xinyi’s distress.

I clearly continued to work with Lin Youxi and Mei Fang just to ship Fang Xi, how did I end up almost becoming the operations director of the website?

“Leaving school now to focus on games isn’t very realistic. Although our current works are popular, there’s a lot of luck involved. I still hope everyone continues to strive and improve while supporting the team’s work without neglecting their studies.”

While distributing bonuses, Mei Fang smiled and reminded everyone, “Although we’re happy about the success of the project, the reason we’re getting so much money is largely due to luck. I hope our team can go further, but that requires everyone to have sufficient skills in their respective fields. Therefore, learning and career planning are still very important.”

“So… If you can’t bear the responsibility or lack the ability to lead, then, to be honest, I can’t just rely on friendship. I might have to find someone else.”

Mei Fang’s words were easy to understand: You got so much bonus because you followed me, and I’m generous.

But if the project grows larger and your skills don’t keep up with the team’s development level, you might be replaced.

This statement made the originally lively atmosphere suddenly tense.

At this moment, Xia Yuan quickly stepped in to play the good cop, nudging Mei Fang’s arm:

“Why are you saying such strange things, Fang? Everyone worked hard last year. We appreciate your efforts. In the future, we will continue to move forward together, remain good friends, and continue to make big money!

Xia Yuan spoke and applauded, with others, led by Peng Xue, joining in. After Lin Youxi finished clapping, she reminded Mei Fang and Xia Yuan, “There’s still one person’s year-end bonus left. Don’t conclude yet.”

“Oh, right…”

Mei Fang asked Lin Youxi to pack the remaining 50,000 yuan in a bag and personally handed it to Guo Yun.

To be continued in the next chapter.

End of Chapter