Chapter 3, Bet a Bowl of Garlic Paste

"Let's get to the point, where are you? I would like to treat you to lunch." Qiu Yueling sighed

He glanced at these cars and squeezed his little Xia Li between a Chery QQ6 and a Cayenne. The little Xia Li was instantly engulfed by the two vehicles, and when he got out of the car, he almost couldn't open the door

At that time, those people all disagreed, and now with such a sudden declaration, if they truly let go, they would immediately become a laughingstock; if they do not let go, they will inevitably be pushed down.

"Is it necessary to reduce the fever? These two are not related, right?" Lin Yao returned to his seat, looking at the call log that Jiang Yifei had placed on his desk. "The fever has already subsided, it's nothing."

There are a few text messages on the phone. Guan Ze casually flipped through them and found that, apart from one sent by the secretary of the marketing department, the rest were all from friends in the game.

"I will give you a large cup, and if that is not enough, I can provide you with a bowl as well," Qiu Yueling's smile, which had been present on her face, vanished, replaced by the familiar, composed expression that Guan Ze recognized. "I am giving you ample space to operate in the market according to your own ideas. Does this truly hold no appeal for you?"

"Alright, cold noodles it is," Qiu Yueling placed her handbag on the table and turned to the waiter, "Two bowls of cold noodles, large portions, add extra chili oil, and a plate of spicy shredded beef, and then..."

Quite good, safe, no need to worry about being scratched or bumped

"What a chatterbox," Lin Yao laughed. This little girl, Yu Hui, left a deep impression on him; she was sweet-tongued and adept at handling situations, serving as a capable assistant to Lin Zong and the others. "Where is your family’s Young Master Lin?"

Consider changing to a house with a garage in the future

"Xiaolinzi." Someone called him from behind

This morning I went to your grandmother's house, and on my way back I stopped by to try some. "Dad looked at Lin Yao, "What's wrong, has that little job of yours worn you out to the point of getting a fever?"

It is truly dull

One must not deceive children, otherwise in the next life one will be transformed into garlic paste

I can understand your feelings for your company, but the fact remains that you are unable to fully unleash your potential. Qiu Yueling tapped the cup with her fingers, then picked up the teapot to pour water into it. The tea quickly overflowed. "Guan Ze, your company is like this teacup; no matter how much water you have, it can only hold so much. It's such a waste."

As soon as he went online, Rouqing sent him a link, which was the address of the official game forum

After Guanze dropped Lu Teng off at school, he hurried back to the company. While waiting at the red light, he took out his phone and flipped through his notes, confirming that there were no plans for the weekend, which put his mind at ease

"Your marketing department has been quite busy lately," Qiu Yueling said as she took a small sip from her cup. "I heard that General Manager Liu has new plans again?"

As for that private room in the backyard, just head straight there. Old Master Lin is also present, so I won't accompany you any further. There will be more guests arriving shortly. Yu Hui waved her hand at him and jogged towards the courtyard.

"No." Lin Yao glanced at him, knowing that Lin Zong cared for him. However, in terms of his work, Lin Zong's views were the same as his father's. His father wanted a helper, while Lin Zong was worried that he would suffer at work.

Guan Ze thought for a moment and leaned back against the chair: "Manager Qiu, I have been working here with Old Liu since I graduated, and I have already gotten used to it. Moreover, I am quite lazy, and adapting to a new environment and work would be too troublesome for me."

In the morning, I answered a client's call for you," Jiang Yifei said as he walked over with a cup of tea, pointing to his desk, "that tea...

Your painting work is just for fun; you can paint whenever you want. Dad lit a cigarette and said, "You are tired, and your mother will worry again."

The phone that was just put in the pocket rang again after only two minutes. Judging by the ringtone, it should be a call related to work. Guan Ze adjusted his headphones and said, "Hello, this is Guan Ze. Who is this?"

"Oh dear, everyone says it's fine to call you Sister Qiu, but after calling you Director Qiu for so long, I just can't change it," Qiu Yueling exclaimed, "Wouldn't you feel uncomfortable if I called you Director Guan?"

"Just grab something to eat nearby," Guan Ze glanced at his watch, the Mingdu Hotel is too far, and he was too lazy to run, "I have two meetings this afternoon"

Guan Ze did not respond and put his phone back in his pocket. He was indifferent to whether the PK rules would change; for him, it did not make much difference. It was quite interesting to keep fighting like this.

Since the PK has changed, we are bound to fall. You still do not dare to use your real name; this nameless hero role does not showcase your magnificent stature in rising up against the odds. Even at this point, when the criticism has reached such a level, everyone still does not know who you are. I feel it is unjust for you.

Betting a bowl of garlic paste, Sister Yixiao will definitely announce before changing the rules that she will no longer dominate. Rather than being toppled by others, it is more dignified to let go oneself. However, I have already guessed the plot. Sister Yixiao, do you want to follow my arrangement?

Lin Yao briefly skimmed through the content, finding it lacking in novelty, the same old story. It began with examples of the numerous crimes committed by the dominant faction, such as certain veteran players tearfully bidding farewell to the game due to their inability to level up for an extended period, and others who, despite having sufficient levels, were forced to grind in low-level areas. Furthermore, all high-level weapons dropped by bosses in this server were concentrated in the hands of the main members of the dominant faction. After listing these grievances, the focus shifted to a call to arms against them, culminating in a passionate summary, accompanied by various personal attacks and curses.

The private room in the backyard is not open to the public; it is a place where Lin Zong entertains his friends. Lin Yao pushed the door open and entered, seeing both his father and mother there, with Lin Zong accompanying his father for tea.

Damn! Just you wait!

Lin Yao glanced at the poster's ID, noting that it was newly registered and did not use a name from the game. After some thought, he felt it would be inappropriate not to say anything given the harsh comments already made, so he casually replied.

"Dad, Mom..." After greeting his father, Lin Yao turned to look at his mother and was taken aback, "Why are you dressed like this again?"

I want to eat meat, don't just give me wild vegetables, " Lin Yao emphasized weakly while lying on the table

Are the PK rules going to change? It has already been announced for two or three months. This time, it is estimated that an official announcement has been made, and everyone seems to be as enthusiastic as liberated serfs singing songs.

When Guan Ze sat down with Qiu Yueling in a cold noodle restaurant, she sighed and said, "Little brother, are you playing with me? I am treating, and you are taking me to North Korean cold noodles?"

"It's fine now," Guan Zechong, the waiter, nodded. After the service left, he smiled and said, "Isn't President Qiu on a diet?"

When Lin Yao is not online to play games, his greatest pleasure is to immerse himself in the forums, watching others criticize him. Regardless of the thread, as long as it mentions him and their guild, it will quickly accumulate replies. If he happens to feel bored one day and starts a thread himself, the speed at which replies accumulate will surely move him deeply.

"Are you going to spill the information?" Guan Ze smiled and replied, "I won't say a word even if you kill me."

Boring

The members of the gang have gotten into a heated argument with the opposition, leaving onlookers with a headache

Lin Yao coughed up blood and created another ink wash style for them, yet now the client has confirmed that the most dazzling ethnic style is still the most suitable

Thus, Lin Yao had been contemplating for a long time about modifying the design of the most dazzling ethnic style. After the client reviewed it, they remarked that this ethnic style was too rustic, suggesting that the ink wash style is also a form of ethnicity

"It's getting hot for the Xia Li," Lin Zong laughed on the side, "How about I buy him a Kia instead"

"Let's go to that mountain delicacy restaurant in Mingdu." Qiu Yueling looked at him

A young waitress came out from inside and, upon seeing Lin Yao, smiled and said: "Second Young Master."

I love to eat this, " Guan Ze waved to call the waiter, " and I am in a hurry.

Handsome? This morning, I even forgot to shave my beard. When Gangze saw his own face in the rearview mirror, he felt quite haggard, looking particularly fitting for the image of "Lu Teng's father".

Indeed, when the news of the rule change was first communicated, he had already mentioned to several core members that once the rules were altered, we would certainly be unable to hold our ground against the higher-level bosses. Rather than suppressing others, it would be better to do it gracefully and let go before the changes take effect

Lin Yao never engages in foul language or insults in forums, even if he has cursed a thousand times in his mind. The words he types do not contain a single curse word. Resorting to insults when unable to argue is devoid of any professional standard

I am still paying for the house, besides, I am not used to driving a good car, it is a hassle, and I don't have a garage. " Guan Ze said with a smile as he continued to eat noodles, " Yesterday, someone even carved a poem on my neighbor's car door. "

One minute later, he refreshed the page, and the post instantly turned to another page. Indeed, many people were lurking, waiting for his appearance, and below was a line of unsightly and explicit attacks.

"It's nothing, I don't feel anything anymore," Lin Yao sat down beside his mother and glanced at Lin Zong, "Is there a gathering today?"

When Lin Yao arrived at the old house, it was still a bit early, not yet eleven o'clock, but several cars were already parked outside the old house

Alright, you choose the place

Please reconsider

Guan Ze sighed, put down his chopsticks, and stared at Qiu Yueling for a while. Then he picked up his chopsticks again and took a bite of noodles: "Please give me a little more time."

You have a standard figure, don't you still go to the gym often?

Ah. Lin Yao turned around; it was his colleague Jiang Yifei. This person was his schoolmate, two years his senior, and a good individual. Since Lin Yao joined the company, Jiang Yifei had been quite supportive of him

I am also losing weight; I cannot eat in the hot weather

The waiter brought over the noodles and beef, and Guan Ze lowered his head to mix the noodles. His favorite was the cold noodles from this restaurant, as the red oil was particularly fragrant

What’s wrong? On such a hot day, you can’t find anything to wear?" Mother took a sip of tea, calmly glanced at him, and said, "What’s the matter? Do you have any objections to your mother?"

Guan Ze, we have known each other for three or four years, right? We can consider ourselves friends, can't we

Qiu Yueling looked at the faint dimple on Guan Ze's left cheek and smiled: "I am not interested, as we are not in the same profession. I am only interested in whether you have made up your mind about this matter."

Lin Yao felt an immediate urge to smash the computer

Yet this small tea canister has caused him immense suffering

"It is said that we will revert to the previous design," Jiang Yifei said as he handed the tea to him, "Here, take a sip to cool down."

No way! Lin Yao did not wait for him to finish speaking, his brows furrowing together as he lowered his voice and quietly exclaimed, Is that tea canister still going to be changed? Didn't their people come to see it the day before yesterday and say that this was confirmed? It has already been changed four times...

Recently, I haven't had time to go. Guan Ze poured a cup of tea for Qiu Yueling

When he got out of the car, he glanced at the license plate and discovered that the Cayenne's license plate actually belonged to his father, a flashy number 8

Turning a page filled with insults, Lin Yao saw an ID that made his eyelids twitch

"It's nothing, thank you, Uncle Liang." Lin Yao hung up the phone and let out a long sigh, leaning back in the chair and stretching lazily

Accompanying his son to the hospital, Guan Ze hesitated for a moment, not continuing towards the company, but instead turning onto another road. Qiu Yue Ling's advertising company is located on this road. "What is it, Director Qiu?"

Guan Ze understood the meaning of her call at this time, so he pulled over to the side of the road: "I am downstairs at your company."

"Not awkward." Guan Ze replied succinctly

to stand with a sword in hand

Guan Ze smiled silently and took a tissue to wipe away the water in front of Qiu Yueling

What to consider

In fact, he has been considering resigning for quite some time. While Old Liu was trying to persuade him to stay, he also found a suitable replacement. Resigning is just a matter of time. However, he honestly admitted that he is lazy and intends to take a break for a while before officially resigning

Before starting work, Lin Yao logged onto Q, intending to check if there were any messages in the gang's group.

Guan Zele laughed for quite a while. To be honest, he had a very good impression of Qiu Yueling. Although she was in her forties, she still had a lot of drive, was bold yet meticulous, and was superior to Old Liu in many aspects. Moreover, she maintained a rather innocent side in certain areas and was very straightforward.

The address sent by Rouqing is a new post, published an hour ago. The title is "PK Rule Change Brings Great Joy, Yanyan, Please Take Your Dominant Guild and Roll Out of Our Server." Due to the explosive nature of the title, it has already gone through five or six pages. It seems that the news of the PK rule change is like a long-awaited rain after a drought, igniting a fire in dry tinder for many people.

However, for the group of Yanran Yixiao, it must be a significant bombshell, as the era of dominance is about to come to an end

"Stop talking nonsense," his mother said with a smile as she reached out her hand, "Come here, let me feel your forehead. Do you still have a fever?"

Initially, the client stated that we were aiming for export, and the jars needed to align with international standards; we wanted an international style. Lin Yao worked hard to create what was deemed an international style for the tea canister, but then the client remarked, "Actually, after further discussion, we believe that what is national is also universal"

Lin Yao has always placed great importance on the design draft of this tea canister. This is the first project he independently completed after several months of serious discussions with the senior designers in the design department.

"Well, if I invite you to dinner, I should at least make sure you are full, right?" Qiu Yueling leaned back in her chair and looked at him

"That is graphic design," Lin Zong corrected his father, pressing the bell on the table to summon the waiter to serve the dishes. "Let's eat first, we can discuss this later."

"What a hassle," Lin Yao took the cup and took a sip. The moment he swallowed, a wave of bitterness swept over his taste buds, causing him to shudder in disgust, nearly spilling the cup onto Jiang Yifei's face. "Damn, it's bitter tea!"

"Guan Ze, this is Qiu Yueling," a woman's voice, steady yet tinged with laughter, came from the other end. "I just called your office; your secretary said you took a leave this morning. Are you unwell?"

Manager Liang, Lin Yao called the client, "Uncle Liang, can we finalize this this time? If it keeps changing, I might work myself to death. I just got back from the hospital after getting an IV."

"No, not a single opinion at all," Lin Yao looked at his mother's bright red silk nightgown, then bent down to look under the table, where he saw her Prada shoes. He could hardly imagine the scene of his mother stepping out of the car and gracefully crossing the entire courtyard of the old house in this outfit. "It would be much better if you just wore slippers out; it would match better."

Well

"It's settled, it's settled," Manager Liang finally gave him a definite answer with great ease. "Xiao Lin, you have worked hard. How is your health? It's a tough summer, and it's easy to fall ill. You must pay attention to your rest"

When Lin Yao returned to the company, it was just the start of the afternoon work hours. The design department was very quiet, with most people still not fully recovered from their delightful yet brief afternoon nap. Aside from a few who were busy with their tasks, the others all appeared dazed and confused.

This place is decorated in a way that is quite fitting for the enigmatic style of Lin Zong and his associates. The house itself is located on the oldest street in the old town, hidden away in an alley, and every time Lin Yao visits, he feels as if he might get lost. The courtyard upon entering is filled with water pools, artificial hills, and various flowers and plants, and one must pass through the corridor on the side to see a few rooms that are quite distant from each other

His father always imagined his profession and career as that of an artist with a paintbrush tucked behind his ear, with long hair flowing or a long beard fluttering, which greatly frustrated Lin Yao. Despite Lin Zong explaining to him that it is called graphic design, the next time he brings it up, he will still refer to it as painting.

This discovery left him somewhat depressed. Why did Lin Zong invite him to dinner and also call his father? His father had been quite busy lately, often coming home late, with little leisure time to educate him. And now, in the middle of the day, he was still a patient, delivered right to his father for a scolding.

Qiu Yueling pointed to the Cherokee parked outside and said, "I believe you changed your car since I last met you? If you had been with our company all along, you wouldn't have just bought a car worth 500,000."

Lin Yao entered the old house with his head hung low and a dejected expression

He took a bite of the noodles, but I am too lazy

Guan Ze said nothing, turned around, and returned to the driver's cabin to get in the car

"It's not about drawing..." Lin Yao leaned on the table, too lazy to explain to his father.

When Qiu Yueling walked out of the company building, Guan Ze got out of the car and went around to open the door for her. Qiu Yueling smiled at him and said, "Young man, it's been a month since we last met, and you look even more handsome."

"To reduce the fever, aren't you running a temperature?" Jiang Yifei said with a smile, "Are you feeling any better?"