Li Shuhao turned around and stared intently at Yang Fan.
“When the Divine Kingdom first awakens, everyone has grand ambitions.
We all believe that as long as we work hard, our lives will continue getting better.” “But what about reality?” “Look at our parents.
They constantly squeeze every bit of value from their own believers.
Their backs become hunched, their hair turns gray, and yet they still have to keep working.” “A Divine Being can live for five hundred years, but most ordinary Divine Beings die of old age after only two or three hundred years.” “What do you think about that, Brother Yang?” “The resources of their Divine Kingdoms are being overextended.” Yang Fan answered without hesitation.
His mother, Sun Rong, was already suffering from physical problems caused by years of overwork.
Li Shuhao nodded.
“The Federation imposes a poll tax.
Every transaction we make to earn Faith Points is subject to personal income tax.
Even online trading platforms charge a two-percent transaction fee.” “Think about it.
With today’s network technology, matching buyers and sellers costs practically nothing.” “Yet they still charge two percent.” “Once we graduate and lose the protection of Federation law, we will either need enough strength to protect ourselves or find a powerful backer.” “Taxes on almost everything, countless hidden expenses, the resources required to strengthen our believers for the sake of protecting the Divine Kingdom…” “Or we can find a backer and surrender most of our profits to them in exchange for protection.” “Under these circumstances, compound interest is little more than a beautiful mathematical concept.” “The profit margins of Divine Kingdom investments may be extremely high, but if you focus solely on investment, your Divine Kingdom eventually becomes nothing more than a delicious piece of meat.” “One day, an enemy might take everything from you—including your life.” Yang Fan looked at Li Shuhao with genuine admiration.
“Classmate Li, you’re truly well-read.
Your insight is extraordinary.” His praise was sincere.
Yang Fan was only a third-year high school student.
He had never seriously considered matters so far into the future.
Li Shuhao’s thoughts had given him plenty of inspiration while also serving as a warning.
“Brother Yang, I’ll get straight to the point.” “I want you to become my Subordinate God.” Yang Fan raised an eyebrow.
“I know that given your circumstances, you have better choices.” “Even a direct descendant genius like Li Tianheng might be willing to recruit someone like you.” “But before you make a decision, why don’t you hear my terms?” “As long as you sign a contract with me, I’ll provide you with a monthly subsidy of one hundred thousand Faith Points.” “Furthermore, within one year, I’ll provide you with a B-rank building.” “Most importantly, from now on, I’ll purchase all resources produced by your Divine Kingdom at full market price.” “Of course, we’ll conduct the transactions through legal transfers to minimize unnecessary taxation.” Yang Fan’s expression became slightly puzzled.
Normally, when a Subordinate God sought protection from a stronger god, the resources produced by their Divine Kingdom would be sold to the protector at a discount—sometimes as low as fifty to seventy percent of market value.
So why was Li Shuhao offering him full market price?
Seeing his confusion, Li Shuhao explained.
“Before today, I naturally wouldn’t have offered such favorable terms.” “But this assessment allowed me to discover another value in you.” “What value?” “An Actuary.” “You have the talent to become an Actuary.” “With only five million Faith Points in starting capital, you managed to develop your Divine Kingdom to this level within twenty days.” “I believe your talent for planning and managing a Divine Kingdom is exceptional.” “I won’t take advantage of your Divine Kingdom’s resources.” “I only hope that you’ll help me plan and develop my Divine Kingdom in the future.” Li Shuhao spoke bluntly.
Yang Fan finally understood.
So this guy had misunderstood him just like Li Qingying had.
“Doesn’t the Li Family already have its own Actuaries?” “Besides, I probably can’t compare with those people right now.” “For the Li Family’s first-tier geniuses, Actuary fees can be reimbursed through a dedicated family fund.” Li Shuhao’s expression became somewhat awkward.
“But I’m only a second-tier genius.
I have to pay for those services myself, and the cost isn’t something I can afford right now.” Yang Fan sighed.
“Can I refuse?” Li Shuhao froze.
He clearly hadn’t expected that answer.
“Why?” He was extremely confident in his offer.
From his perspective, Yang Fan had practically nothing to lose.
A monthly subsidy of one hundred thousand Faith Points, a future B-rank building, and the ability to sell his Divine Kingdom’s resources at full market value were practically benefits falling from the heavens.
“I want to follow the combat path.” “I don’t want to spend my time doing logistics and management.” “Ah?” Li Shuhao stared at him in disbelief.
“But your talent…” “Thank you for the generous invitation, Classmate Li.” “But I have my own plans.” “Besides, I don’t really have any special talent for being an Actuary.
The development of my Divine Kingdom involved a considerable amount of luck.” Silence fell over the private room.
After a while, Li Shuhao put down his wine glass and smiled.
“Even if the deal doesn’t work out, our friendship remains.” “We’re classmates, after all.” “Perhaps we can even cooperate on a Divine Kingdom investment project someday.” “Since you’re already here, I still have to play the role of host.” “Brother, let me show you around.” “In that case, I’ll thank you, Classmate Li…” Yang Fan paused.
“Brother Li.” “Hahaha!
That’s more like it.” Li Shuhao laughed and pulled Yang Fan toward another private room.
Tianxiang Renjian was one of the most famous entertainment establishments in the Virtual World.
After awakening their Divine Kingdoms, they had officially become qualified to enter such places.
However, Yang Fan soon discovered that the entertainment options here were far broader than he had expected.
There were restaurants, virtual performances, games, simulated adventures, cultural experiences, and countless other forms of entertainment.
“Brother Yang, what do you think?” Li Shuhao looked around proudly.
“Not bad.” Yang Fan nodded.
The Virtual World’s technology was astonishing.
Everything here was almost indistinguishable from reality, yet the entire environment existed within the consciousness network.
“Network technology has already developed to an incredible level.” Li Shuhao smiled.
“Even if two people are separated by several planets, they can still communicate through their consciousness.” “Of course, Tianxiang Renjian has an excellent reputation.
The staff here are real people working within the Virtual World, not ordinary virtual characters.” “Everyone has their own difficulties.
They’re simply earning some extra Faith Points here.” Yang Fan coughed awkwardly.
“I’ve never been to a place like this before.” “It’s my first time.” “Everyone has a first time.” Li Shuhao laughed.
“It’s only the Virtual World, so don’t take it too seriously.” “How about I arrange something for you?” “Then I’ll trouble you.” Li Shuhao nodded and began making arrangements.
Afterward, he tactfully left the private room, giving Yang Fan some personal space.
Yang Fan watched him leave with a strange expression.
He couldn’t help feeling that Li Shuhao was deliberately messing with him because his recruitment offer had been rejected.
Meanwhile, in another private room, Li Shuhao sat in the seat of honor.
A white-haired old man stood quietly beside him.
The old man radiated the powerful aura of a Demigod and held several documents in his hands.
“Uncle An, what do you think of my classmate?” Li Shuhao asked.
“Based on your description, Young Master, his talent is indeed excellent.” The old man nodded.
“However, the terms you offered were far too generous.” “He is a classmate, after all.” Li Shuhao smiled.
“I simply didn’t expect him to reject such favorable conditions.” “If the Young Master truly wishes to recruit him, perhaps you could start with his parents.” “No need.” Li Shuhao shook his head.
“Methods and schemes can force someone to cooperate, but they can’t win their heart.” “Developing a Divine Kingdom is a marathon, not a sprint.” “If we rely on underhanded methods, we’ll only create unnecessary internal conflict in the future.” “Besides, having one more friend is always better than having one more enemy.” The old man looked at his young master thoughtfully.
Perhaps this was why the Li Family was willing to invest so heavily in him.
He wasn’t merely talented.
He also understood how far one could go through genuine cooperation and trust.