Virtual item trading website

"Sigh..."

Tears welled up in Chen Yu's eyes.

Indeed, poverty can limit one's imagination.

But it made sense, after all.

Zhang Jianming, around the same age as him at 16, what did he really know?

At his age, being able to run a workshop was enough to boast about in front of peers.

Not just him, if Chen Yu hadn't been reborn, even he would have to admit, what could be more enjoyable than playing games?

Nothing.

Naturally, there was nothing.

The most enjoyable thing in the world was playing games.

Well, that's a bit of a mess.

Chen Yu shook his head, realizing he had been brainwashed by this notion.

"Anyway, to be serious, while games are fun, we can't play them forever."

"Chen Yu, what are you trying to say? I'm a bit slow, can't keep up with your thoughts."

"I'm thinking of creating a website related to gaming."

"A gaming website?"

"I don't get it."

Zhang Jianming blinked and shook his head.

Chen Yu wasn't in a hurry; he sipped his beer and explained, "It's simple. Let me give you an example. How have we been conducting transactions for our workshop lately?"

"By directly transferring money to the bank account."

"But what if some players don't trust us?"

"If they don't trust us, they can just not buy the equipment."

"You see, that's where the problem lies."

Chen Yu continued, "Have you noticed that, in reality, whether it's gold farming or equipment trading in Legend, it's relatively easy to do. What's challenging is how to conduct secure transactions."

"I'm starting to get it."

After all, Zhang Jianming had been playing Legend for a while, and he thought about it. "That's true. Many people want to buy equipment, skill books, and even game currency. But when we ask them to pay first and then provide the items, they refuse."

"Why do they refuse?"

"They're afraid we're scammers."

"That's exactly it. They're worried that we're scammers, so they hesitate to trade with us. That's why, for a while now, all our transactions have been with acquaintances or through referrals. Right now, it's fine, but if trading volume increases in the future, it will undoubtedly have a significant impact on in-game equipment transactions."

"So what's the solution?"

Zhang Jianming shrugged. "They're afraid we're scammers, but I'm also afraid they're scammers. It's impossible for us to provide the items first and then ask them to pay. Moreover, we're in this business; if we scam one person, we're finished. But they're different; if they scam you, who are they accountable to?"

"So I'm thinking of creating a virtual item trading website."

"What are virtual items?"

"Virtual items refer to equipment, skill books, game currency, and other items that don't exist in the real world but have a certain value."

"Oh, I see. Chen Yu, you know a lot."

Zhang Jianming looked at him with great admiration.

"If our website offers escrow services, buyers and sellers can conduct transactions through our website, and we charge a reasonable escrow fee. So, what do you think? Won't it increase the overall volume of game transactions?"

"It definitely will."

Zhang Jianming straightforwardly said, "Many people are just worried about being scammed, which is why they hesitate to buy equipment. If there's a website that can provide escrow services, I'm afraid there would be countless people willing to engage in transactions."

"So, my next step is to work on such a website."

Zhang Jianming nodded. "But, Chen Yu, I don't really understand websites, and I don't think I can help you much."

"You study computer science, don't you?"

"Study, my foot. Since school started, I've spent more time in the internet cafe than at school."

"It's okay, it's okay."

Chen Yu smiled. "Not understanding computers isn't a big problem. Teacher Ma doesn't know much about computers either, but he still managed to create such an amazing website."

"Who's Teacher Ma?"

"The CEO of Alibaba."

"Oh, I see. I have no impression."

"Uh..."

Chen Yu was helpless.

There was no way around it.

Teacher Ma wasn't as famous in this era as he was in the future, so it was normal not to remember him.

"I've been learning programming and website design recently. However, this website is quite extensive, and I probably can't handle it alone. I'll go and recruit some talent in website development."

"Does building this website cost a lot?"

"Gaming websites are relatively manageable in terms of size. I should have enough money."

"If it's not enough, just say the word, I still have some money."

"Hehe, you should save that money for dating. By the way, have you been interested in any of the pretty girls in your class recently?"

"I've been spending all my time at the internet cafe recently, where would I find pretty girls from my class? But speaking of girls, there's one I really like."

"Who is it?"

"The class flower of our class, she's incredibly beautiful."

"If she's beautiful, go pursue her."

"Well, I don't have the courage for that."

"Why wouldn't you? Look at you, with tens of thousands in your pocket. Compare yourself to others; who else is as wealthy as you are? Even if there is, they're probably living off their parents. But you've genuinely earned your money."

"Well, I guess I've got your back. Otherwise, how could I have earned so much?"

"Don't worry about that. Anyway, it's your ability."

"So, I can really go pursue her?"

"Definitely."

"Chen Yu, I've never been in a relationship before. Teach me, how do you chase girls?"

"If I teach you something too complicated, I doubt you'd be able to handle it, so I'll tell you something simple and direct."

"What's the simple and direct method?"

"Use money. If 1000 isn't enough, make it 2000. If 10,000 isn't enough, make it 20,000. I refuse to believe you won't succeed."

"My goodness, is this what dating is?"

"Then what do you think dating is?"

"Uh..."

With Chen Yu's straightforward approach leaving him in a mix of amusement and bewilderment, Zhang Jianming asked, "What about the workshop side of things?"

"The workshop can still make money; you just keep working on it."

"I'll definitely keep working, but I'm worried that Wang Pangzi might come back one day and say he wants to readjust the shares."

"That's not a problem. Although Wang Pangzi is shrewd, he's not that bad. At most, he'll want to regain control, but there won't be anything else. Besides, I'll need your help with something more important in the future."

"Oh, what is it? Programming? I really don't know how to do that."

"Don't worry, it's not programming."

"If it's not programming, that's good. I can handle other errands."

"Good. Lately, try to establish connections with the leaders of the major guilds in Legend."

"Alright, no problem."

"As for the workshop's equity issue, don't argue with Wang Pangzi about it. He's been investing real money and taking on more shares is normal. Besides, Wang Pangzi has already been upfront with us, so don't take it to heart."

"Alright."

"By the way, the internet cafe environment isn't that great. Maybe you should consider renting a place and not spend 24 hours a day in the internet cafe."

"Why rent a place? It's not really necessary."

"Your health is your capital. I'm counting on you to make a big move in the future."

"Okay, then, I'll rent a place."

"Buy another computer too."

"Forget it. Computers are so expensive now, and I'll have to pay for broadband too. It'll wipe out my savings in one go. Besides, I can use Wang Pangzi's computer, so whether I buy one or not doesn't matter."

"Alright then, we'll talk about the computer later. Let's have another drink."

They clinked glasses once more. It was already late, so Chen Yu headed back.