CHAPTER 36: CHAPTER 36: I COME FROM THE COMMENT SECTION

Lu Luo’s explanation this time was comparatively clear, and even Zhou Kai beside him nodded thoughtfully. However, Gu Fangyi still had some questions.

"Why hasn’t anyone done these things before?"

In fact, I’ve considered this question, but the answer could involve deeper issues that pertain to the considerations of the ruling class.

"Who knows? Maybe some of the higher-ups simply didn’t want Hunters and ordinary people to get too close. Another point is that to do this, you need someone to back you up, like my boss, Captain Ludie."

Lu Luo’s words were tempting, and Gu Fangyi had to admit he was already moved. Zhou Kai was still a bit confused, but it’d all be fine as long as I follow my brother.

"This is indeed feasible. So, how should we set up this firm? What about ownership rights?"

Although they were all brothers who had bled together, at this time, Gu Fangyi decided it was best to clarify the money matters.

Lu Luo felt somewhat reassured. A clear-minded person like Gu Fangyi is likable everywhere, with almost no faults aside from being reticent, which often isn’t a fault anyway.

"We each contribute capital. I’ll put in 2,000, plus abilities, technical services, and connections, for a 70% share. Gu Fangyi puts in 2,000, plus abilities, that’s 15%. Zhou Kai puts in 1,000—just a layabout—so 5% is fine. The last 10%, I’ll give to Ludie for free."

His reasoning was sound and persuasive. If others weren’t convinced? Then he’d persuade them with reason.

After Lu Luo finished allocating the shares of the firm, Gu Fangyi fell silent. He had guessed that Lu Luo would want more and give some to Ludie for free. He also figured he himself would get more, and Zhou Kai less. But what he hadn’t anticipated was Lu Luo being so ruthless as to take a 70% share, leaving him with only 15%. At these proportions, he couldn’t help but hesitate.

Before Gu Fangyi could speak, Zhou Kai was already protesting.

"I’m putting in work, effort, and capital, and I only get 5%? And you’re calling me a layabout? Have you forgotten that time I, the Unlucky Achiever, carried the entire game?! I’m out of here! Don’t anyone try to stop me."

Zhou Kai was about to turn and leave when he realized that, indeed, nobody was stopping him. So, he dejectedly slunk back.

"You’re just picking on an honest guy. Fine, 5% it is. An honest guy like me won’t haggle with you, since we’ve all shed blood together."

Seeing Zhou Kai had agreed, Lu Luo turned his gaze to Gu Fangyi.

"What about you, Brother Gu?"

"Alright, let’s divide it that way," Gu Fangyi agreed, nodding. We’re all brothers who’ve shed blood together. Lu Luo is more dominant, so it’s okay for me to take a bit of a loss.

We’ve all shed blood together, and I’m the least capable, so it’s okay for me to take a loss, Zhou Kai thought.

Meanwhile, Lu Luo’s inner thoughts were even more extravagant. Alas, I’m still too benevolent. In other novels, the protagonist starting a business takes 98% and gives just 1% to each of the two partners. These two probably have no idea how much this 20% will be worth in the future, yet they look unhappy. Oh well, we’ve shed blood together; I’ll take the loss.

After completing the equity distribution, Lu Luo immediately called Ludie to share his ideas about Circle Studio.

"That’s the basic situation. Do you think it’s doable?"

This time, to Lu Luo’s surprise, Ludie immediately gave an affirmative response.

"It’s doable."

Lu Luo was momentarily at a loss for words. This guy! Why doesn’t he follow the usual script? Lu Luo hesitated.

"Don’t you want to hear my explanation?"

"Explain what? Just go ahead and do it. I’ve got your back for anything."

"Anything else? If not, I’m hanging up. Promotion match."

BEEP—BEEP—BEEP!

Hearing the busy tone on the phone, Lu Luo’s expression became somewhat puzzled. Is this what having connections feels like? Love it.

「In the hospital room」

Zhou Kai had already gone back to rest, leaving only Lu Luo and Gu Fangyi.

Lu Luo was peeling an orange for Gu Fangyi. Fruits from the Wasteland were expensive, but these oranges were a gift from the medical staff, so they were free.

As the main force of their small group, the two needed to have some spiritual exchanges to promote future team development.

"Lu Luo, will you blame me for what happened? If I hadn’t rejected Song Hana’s contract, we wouldn’t have ended up here."

Gu Fangyi is a true brother! Taking on the responsibility right away. Where else could one find such a good person?

Lu Luo hadn’t expected the introverted Gu Fangyi to suddenly indulge in life’s reflections, which immediately put him on guard. Gu Fangyi is an important partner, my main force in battle, and many future endeavors will require him. It’s absolutely crucial that he has no mental issues. I should feed him a couple of bowls of "chicken soup" to clear his head.

"Life has no ’what ifs,’ only consequences and results. You did nothing wrong in this matter, and I wasn’t planning to enter Lan Tian’s system anyway."

Upon hearing this, Gu Fangyi suddenly felt Lu Luo’s words were profound. To comfort him at a time like this showed Lu Luo was truly a knowledgeable, capable, and trustworthy brother.

"I can’t accept what Lan Tian has done. I’m sorry, Lu Luo, for dragging you all down with me."

[If you were a woman, he would have probably confessed to you by now. But sometimes, the camaraderie between men can be scarier than love.]

"Let’s not talk about who’s right or wrong; it’s meaningless. But I’m sure of one thing: when you’re weak, you’ll encounter the most villains. Once you’re strong, everyone around you will be smiling, and they’ll all seem like good people."

"Is that so? Lu Luo, you seem to know so much."

"What’s the big deal? If you have any other questions, just ask. Let Master Lu clarify them for you."

"Really, I can ask anything?"

"Really."

After a moment of silence, Gu Fangyi suddenly asked Lu Luo an unexpected question.

"Lu Luo, I know you’re popular with women, but I just can’t get the hang of it. My relationships never end well. So Lu Luo, what kind of girl do you think I should look for, and how should I interact with her to truly achieve happiness?"

This Gu Fangyi actually lacks a girlfriend; his enlightenment is clearly lacking. Looks like I really do need to set him straight.

"The secret to getting along with women is simple: don’t be a simp."

"What’s a simp?"

Lu Luo paused for a moment, then asked Gu Fangyi a very simple question.

"Do you know how cats meow?"

"MEOW!"

"And sheep?"

"BAA?"

"And dogs?"

"WOOF?"

Lu Luo stretched out a finger and shook it vigorously in front of Gu Fangyi.

"Wrong. Dogs go like this: ’You there? What’cha doin’? Eaten yet? Slept yet? Drink more water! Go to sleep early! Put on more clothes! Stay up less! Be careful not to catch a cold! Come home early! Goodnight!’"

Gu Fangyi’s fingers clenched suddenly, his whole body shaking, and a WOO WOO choking sound came from his mouth.

"Hit the nail on the head, huh?" Lu Luo asked offhandedly.

"Yeah, right on the money," Gu Fangyi said, his eyes brimming with tears.

That’s just too tragic! There are so many women in the Wasteland; a young guy like him shouldn’t be in this state!

However, Gu Fangyi was still somewhat reluctant and asked stubbornly, "I’ve got the hang of the approach now, but what kind of woman should I look for?"

"That’s hard to say, as everyone has different standards of beauty. But I do have some basic suggestions.

1. Find a woman who can make you laugh.

2. Find a woman with a stable job.

3. Find a woman who likes doing household chores.

4. Find an honest woman.

5. Find a woman who matches you in the bedroom.

6. Don’t let those five women meet each other, and you’ll be happier that way."

Watching Gu Fangyi, who was at a loss for words for a long time, Lu Luo patted his shoulder and lay down to rest on a small bed beside him.

"Rest well. When our studio gets going, there will be bread, and there will be women."

「Three days later」

Lu Luo’s mental state had returned to its peak, though his rib injury still needed time to heal. Gu Fangyi could now get out of bed and walk, and Zhou Kai had started looking for a house near the Security Bureau in the East Ring.

In the past few days, Lu Luo had finished reading *Six Paths* and once again came to the hospital roof.

[All advancement methods of the Six Paths have been collected. The host lacks Transcendent qualifications. Analyzing a reasonable advancement plan for the host.

1: Replace the original ineffective Dark Energy absorption point with Sequence S-02 Devourer to form pseudo-Transcendent qualifications.

2: Continue to invest energy, continuously devour Exotic Species, intercept excellent energy and Sequence fragments, and optimize oneself over the long term.

3: Activate Fusioner to merge the Six Paths techniques needed by the host. Strength Path recommended.]

At this point, Lu Luo had no room for hesitation. As rain began to fall from the sky again, he braced himself with both hands on the railing, as if preparing.

"Let’s start the replacement!"

Lu Luo had braced himself for severe pain or some sort of mental shock, but five minutes passed, and it seemed like nothing had happened.

"Isn’t it starting?"

[It’s already over. The host’s Dark Energy absorption point is 0. Devourer’s replacement doesn’t require the removal of any body tissue. Pain is for geniuses; don’t overestimate yourself. You don’t qualify.]

I don’t know whether to cry or laugh. Even though this is mockery from the Observer, the result is quite comfortable.

If this process was completely omitted, does that mean I can now merge with the Six Paths Cultivation Techniques? Can I learn all six? Dominating all professions would be great!

[The host is advised not to bother with such flashy stuff. The more you learn, the more resources you consume. Hunters usually major in one Path and use others for support. Learning all Six Paths, the difficulty of merging Cultivation Techniques and resource investment would be several times higher than that of a single Path. Therefore, it is not recommended to merge too many Six Paths.]

Lu Luo frowned slightly. It seems that dominating all professions is just a pipe dream. But maybe I could try dual-professions.

"So which ones should I choose now? There aren’t any hard rules about professions, right? Is there any friendly advice from the Observer?"

[Friendly reminder from Sequence S-11 Observer: Devourer’s energy can enhance physical fitness, so Strength Path is the most suitable for your abilities. Strongly recommended as the basis for your advancement.

Secondary Option 1: Qi Path accumulates Qi points and provides ranged attacks, along with amplification and Outburst techniques. Recommended for merging.

Secondary Option 2: Spirit Path energy Outburst is powerful with long attack range; the downside is it doesn’t match well with Strength Path.]

Strength Path as the core, huh! Feels like only Mr. Average would cultivate Strength Path. If it weren’t for a lack of talent, who would want to play a beefy brute with no professional distinction! Well, the Observer’s advice at this time must be fairly accurate. Let’s go with Strength Path then. Anyway, if I can merge Qi Path, that’s enough. By the way, what about attack methods like swords and guns? Don’t I need to merge these too? I think these two Paths are also strong.

[The host’s situation is fundamentally different from other Transcendents. The strongest thing you have is yourself. It is recommended that most resources be invested in the host’s body. Major weapons and firearms require a great deal of essence and soul to create, as they involve a kind of symbiotic advancement. They are not recommended for the host. Sword technique, gun technique, and Dark Energy coating can be learned normally. Weapon enchanting’s specificity can also be achieved through the Fusioner. However, fusion advancement methods also require energy, so it’s not advisable to spend too many resources on them.]

"As long as I can learn them, then let’s go with the most suitable method. Strength Path as the core, Qi Path as secondary for merging. As for energy, spend it. I’m not worried about that bit."

[This fusion projection requires 283 energy points. Proceed with fusion?]

"283 energy points? Don’t normal fusions cost 10-20? Are you trying to kill me!"

[While 283 energy points are indeed expensive, the host’s current reaction reminds me of a certain scenario.

Online: ’Driving out in an Audi A6? Seriously? A 5-series barely counts as a BMW now? An E-Class is considered a luxury car? Pfft!’

Reality: ’What? A dowry of 30,000? You’re practically asking for my life!’

This kind of person is usually known as a forum warrior, or keyboard warrior.]

Lu Luo’s face stiffened. "Fine then, let’s do the fusion."

[Fusing life advancement method. Please wait: 0.01%, 0.02%...]