I Will Never Submit to Miss Grim Reaper - Chapter 240
Chapter 240: ?Kirov reporting!?
On this day, it was payday at the Shangjing Cat Maid Café.
It was also a particularly exciting day for me after becoming a girl—despite still being in my menstrual period.
Because according to my rough calculations, my salary this month would be around eight or nine thousand, possibly even higher.
Considering that Ouyang Xue had previously paid me a month’s basic salary in advance, and neither I nor Xiao Mo had worked full shifts this month, our May wages were relatively low.
In other words, our wages in June would be considered the “complete package.”
In June, both Xiao Mo and I would work full shifts for the entire month, and the café’s operations were already fully underway, with its reputation established.
Ouyang Xue no longer needed to pay me part of my basic salary in advance. So by July, I estimated I could earn around sixteen to seventeen thousand yuan, maybe even fifteen thousand after tax deductions.
Calculating wages for working at the café is somewhat complex. For instance, for workers like Xiao Mo, me, and Fei Luo, who take on the workload of two people, our working hours extend from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (though Xiao Mo, Fei Luo, and I actually finish around 8 or 9 p.m.).
Ouyang Xue calculates our wages based on the workload of two people, but this “basic salary” doesn’t include the “bonus” we discussed on our first day.
In other words… when Ouyang Xue and I first met, she claimed that my basic salary could be 6000 yuan, while for others, it was the advertised 4000 yuan. However, if I chose to work double shifts, this bonus wouldn’t fully apply. For working both day and night shifts, my basic salary would be 6000 yuan plus 4000 yuan, totaling 10000 yuan.
Likewise, Xiao Mo also received this ten thousand yuan basic salary from Ouyang Xue, while Fei Luo’s should be 4000 plus 4000. I didn’t bother to ask, especially considering Fei Luo, being a dragon, was carefree every night, and I didn’t think money mattered much to her.
Actually, if I were ambitious enough, I could spend 24 hours a day at the café. They provide meals and accommodation here, the environment is beautiful, there are cats and WIFI.
After working hard during the day until around 8 or 9 in the evening, I could basically rest. Then at night, I could sleep directly at the café like Ai Luodi.
If customers arrived, I could wake up to help with cooking. If not, I could sleep. Plus, I could enjoy eight days off every month. Just with the basic salary, it would easily exceed ten thousand, and with bonuses, it could reach twenty or thirty thousand.
But that’s not the life I want. To truly earn a lot of money… I don’t need to push myself that hard.
At least, none of the maids at the café have such ambitions so far.
Ouyang Xue is the acting manager. She does spend 24 hours at the café, but her usual tasks involve managing the café and handling public relations. Li Chen is responsible for transporting goods. Their time is relatively free.
Lan Jiajia works the morning shift and goes back to her rented house around 4 p.m. to cook or live her private life. Because she’s not responsible for the busy dinner peak, she has quite a leisurely time. Ai Luodi only works the night shift, so she’s even more relaxed. Apart from taking care of the “vagabonds” who come to sleep at night, there’s hardly any physically demanding work.
In essence, whether the salary details are transparent or kept secret, it all boils down to the level of trust in the boss.
If the relationship between employees and the boss is bad, even if salary details are kept secret, people will share information privately. They’ll switch jobs if needed. But if the boss conducts themselves with integrity and is trustworthy, even if salary details are public, people will choose to trust the boss. They’ll think that someone earning more must have done more work for the boss behind the scenes.
“I’ve almost calculated last month’s wages. After this meeting, I’ll send the detailed salary statements to your reserved email addresses.”
Early in the morning, Yin Xiamo, Fei Luo, Lan Jiajia, and I arrived at the café. We found a large table on the second floor with Ai Luodi, who had just finished her shift, and sat around it.
“Then the wages will also be deposited directly into your account,” said Ouyang Xue, amidst our gazes, as she took several documents out of her backpack.
“I know you all have a great relationship, but everyone is an adult now. It’s best not to bring up money matters if you can avoid it, okay?”
I silently nodded in agreement.
In most reputable companies, salary information is kept confidential, often codified as a rule in the company’s management system. One of the most important rules is that employees are not allowed to discuss each other’s salaries.
This situation is widespread because even siblings keep clear accounts. If salaries were openly disclosed within the company, it could easily lead to various disputes. For example, someone might feel unfairly treated upon discovering a colleague earns more: “I recall doing more work than him, so why does he earn more than me?”
Sometimes, one might feel content with their salary for the month—last month, I received a 5000 yuan salary upon joining, and this month I got a raise to 6000 yuan after working harder. I was thrilled. Now I could afford the phone I’ve been eyeing. But then, upon seeing the salary of a colleague who slacks off all day, earning twice as much… Why does he get ten thousand? Instantly, my good mood for the day vanishes.
It’s similar to buying equipment in a game or electronics in the real world. Once I make a purchase, I don’t bother tracking its price anymore. I just enjoy what I’ve bought, knowing that if I were to track it and find a lower price later on, I’d feel regretful. So, I choose not to look, believing in contentment.
Payday should be a happy occasion, but feeling miserable just because someone else earns more than you makes you want to quit on the spot. Nobody wants that. ?Seeing that guy making more money than me makes me feel terrible?. This statement wasn’t really problematic.
Apart from this, if salaries within a company are completely transparent, it means employees can be “bid for”. A boss from another company can easily inquire about someone’s salary and offer a higher one to poach them. Of course, the specifics vary, but at least in the current situation at the café, I don’t see any issue with everyone’s salaries being public.
I’m more of an optimist. Even if I know Lan Jiajia and Ai Luodi earn more than me, it doesn’t bother me much. After all, Ouyang Xue’s salary offer already exceeded my expectations, and I’m happy with it. Lan Jiajia and Ai Luodi themselves are also the type who are rather carefree. They didn’t come to the café to “make big money”, they just wanted a “relaxed job where they can slack off comfortably, as long as the pay is decent.”
As for Yin Xiamo and Fei Luo… they wouldn’t even bother comparing their salaries with regular people.
“Yeah, I know,” I replied.
Lan Jiajia chuckled, “We don’t need to exchange salary statements, I already know Nuo’er should be the top earner in the café this month. She’s definitely getting the highest pay.”
“Then I must be the one with the lowest salary.”
Ai Luodi, licking her jelly, chimed in, “I mostly slack off and play games at night here, there are hardly any customers to earn bonuses from.”
“You even know you’re slacking off every night?”
Ouyang Xue gave her a stern look. “Eat less snacks, you’ll really get fat.”
“I’ll just lose weight if I get fat.”
Ai Luodi yawned. “Is today’s meeting all about wages?”
“No, wait a moment, a few old friends are coming later.”
Ouyang Xue glanced around the table. “Have you all had breakfast?”
I nodded. “Yes, we have.”
“By the way, Nuo’er.”
Lan Jiajia, sitting next to me, leaned in. “Why do I feel like something’s off with you today?”
“Something’s off?” I asked in confusion.
“What… What’s off? Do I look unwell?”
If it was about not feeling well, it would be understandable, considering I’m still on my period.
“No, it’s just… how can I put it…”
Lan Jiajia glanced at me, then at Yin Xiamo beside me.
“The vibe between you two seems a bit different from usual.”
I quietly let go of Yin Xiamo’s hand. “There’s nothing different.”
“Yes, I’ve noticed it too.”
Ai Luodi, on the opposite side, swallowed her jelly in one gulp. “Nuo’er seems quite unusual today.”
“Why are you also starting to speak in riddles?”
I was speechless. “Are you teaming up to tease me?”
“This isn’t teasing, we’re serious. I think even Sister Ouyang noticed.”
Lan Jiajia gestured to Ouyang Xue beside her.
“Before, Nuo’er and Xiao Mo were like a cat and a tiger. The cat would get angry and struggle when picked up by the tiger, but couldn’t resist the tiger’s strength and had to submit, repeating this several times a day. But now, Nuo’er is like…”
Ai Luodi added, “Like a confirmed couple. Nuo’er has transformed from a proud little cat to a clingy kitten.”
“What?” I banged the table. “Today… I’m just having stomach cramps and feeling a bit off. What nonsense are you all talking about?”
“That’s true,” Yin Xiamo cleared her throat.
“To be honest, Nuo’er has been completely consumed by me.”
Lan Jiajia covered her mouth. “To what extent?”
“All extents.”
“Look at them, Sister Ouyang…”
I had to turn to the “manager” for help. “They’re talking about this during the meeting!”
“Well, I did notice Nuo’er seems more dependent today. When you came in, you were holding Xiao Mo’s hand.”
Ouyang Xue raised an eyebrow.
“When are you two getting married? I’ll give a big red envelope as a gift.”
Why is even Ouyang Xue saying this…
As we chatted, the café’s door was pushed open, and Su Yunjin and Xiongxiong… also known as Sikong Yue, walked in from outside.
“Sorry for being late, there was traffic in the central area.”
Su Yunjin came in with Xiongxiong and headed straight to the second floor, waving at us. “Hello, lovely ladies!”
“I’m not a lovely lady. Compared to Nuo’er, Xiao Mo, and Fei Luo, both Xiao Ai and I are just supporting characters.”
Lan Jiajia joked, “Sister Ouyang said someone else was coming, and I guessed it was you.”
“I’m truly honored to be remembered by such beauties.”
Su Yunjin gestured to Sikong Yue, who was wearing a tight-fitting jacket and colorful eye makeup. “Remember her? She’s the investor… businesswoman, the daughter of the CEO for our underground first floor.”
“Hello, everyone.”
Xiongxiong, carrying a large backpack, pulled a chair next to Ouyang Xue without hesitation and sat down. She pointed at the eye makeup on her face.
“Has anyone seen this? It’s the makeup of the female protagonist from the game PV of ‘Age of Aquarius.’ It’s awesome!”
“Is the game going into open beta?” I was surprised. “So soon?”
“It’s just a promotional PV. The game is still in the internal testing phase. It’ll probably take another month or two.”
Su Yunjin explained, “Here’s some good news: this game has been officially recognized by the country. It will be jointly regulated and operated for beta testing by both our country and Xiongxiong’s country, supporting PC, VR, and consoles.”
Ai Luodi, who was usually sensitive about games, paused. “Joint regulation and operation for beta testing? What does that mean?”
“Simply put, it means this game isn’t for commercial purposes and won’t face issues like shutdowns, unless there are major problems with either our or Xiongxiong’s country.”
Su Yunjin crossed her arms. “You see, almost all games nowadays are produced by a company, then they find game companies to act as agents. Both parties sign contracts and share profits. But ‘Age of Aquarius’ is different. The game development company spent a whopping eleven years making this game. They’ve been working on it since the hype around the 2011 end-of-the-world predictions. It’s been a long journey, exhausting all of the company’s investments. I remember the company’s CEO is from our renowned Honor District in Shenzhen City.”
“Wasn’t there a movie recently, and it became explosively popular? Have you all seen it?”
“Just watched it.”
I nodded. “The movie’s setting is impressive.”
Regardless… the concept of the original body sleeping in a nutrient chamber while controlling a “clone” through high technology to achieve “immortality” is truly ahead of its time. With this kind of setup, many things can be avoided in the game. For example, killing someone doesn’t really kill them. It’s just the destruction of their “avatar,” and they can be given a new body afterward.
The whole world is like a game, where death can be resurrected, and any bodily ailment can be instantly cured.
Similarly, if the technology in the game can truly reach the quantum realm, with consciousness being transmitted and controlled regardless of distance, then a “journey to outer space” would only require the corresponding embryos to be loaded into the spacecraft, and then they could be cloned upon arrival at the destination.
In theory, the game “Age of Aquarius” has unlimited possibilities, fully satisfying the current trending concept of the “metaverse.”
Combined with the movie… where the protagonist is first cloned as a male and later can use their female body, belonging to the “pseudo-transformation hundred” trope, and the ending is two girls being together, I can give full marks for both the plot and the background setting.
“So the current situation is that the movie has sparked a craze for ‘Age of Aquarius,’ and many companies want to represent this game. But those companies are all very stubborn, acting high and mighty, constantly demanding the production company to modify the content and gameplay. As a result, the production company refused to comply and handed over the game to the government, preparing for the government to fund the construction of servers to operate this game.”
Su Yunjin seemed particularly excited when talking about this part. “Everyone thought this company was crazy because there has never been a precedent in history where a country represents a game. However, the result is… they agreed, and not just our country, but Xiongxiong’s country also got involved, with both countries jointly supervising the beta testing… Don’t spread this yet, this matter hasn’t been announced. Most people are just laughing at that production company.”
“I… still don’t quite understand,” Ai Luodi admitted.
Ai Luodi was clearly intrigued by Su Yunjin’s words. Despite feeling extremely tired after working all night, she suddenly perked up. “What’s the difference between a government representing a game and a regular game company representing it?”
“You can consider the current state of games. Most online games fall into two categories. The first type lets you level up quickly, and then leveling up is just the beginning. Only when you’re at max level can you start doing daily quests. Those without money grind these quests to save up, while those with money spend it on gear and participate in events and lotteries,” Su Yunjin explained, taking a seat.
“These companies are all commercial entities aiming to make a profit. Their planning is driven by Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Their only goal is to make money, to force players to spend money, and to bring profits to the company. This approach results in the entire game design and operation revolving around making money. Some players feel like they’re working while playing because they need to generate revenue for these game companies, which taints the gaming experience.”
“The second type operates on a prepaid card or subscription fee system. While these games may not be as blatant as the first type, their goals remain the same: to make money. Prepaid card-based games require players to buy cards or enforce players to be online constantly. Either way, the tasks and events are designed to make players spend money because players’ time is also money. Events and new content are introduced to keep players online and maintain activity levels.”
“But if the game company reaches an agreement with the government, the game itself won’t be serving the purpose of ‘making a profit.’ It may become the first game to be operated without profit motives. This would lead to significant changes in the entire game ecosystem and concept.”
Su Yunjin looked at Ai Luodi and said, “Of course, once this game is really released and goes into public beta, it will deal a devastating blow to almost all profitable online games on the market. I think this is also the reason why the government is willing to take over. Kids addicted to games? Spending money recklessly? The country will just make the best game themselves, and then nobody will bother playing anything else.”
Ai Luodi was dumbfounded, murmuring after a while, “This is too crazy. I saw this rumor online a long time ago, and I thought it was a joke. I can’t believe… Are you sure it’s 2022 and not 2077?”
“Haha, it’s definitely 2022. So today, besides discussing the issues caused by those few people before, we also have… this!” Su Yunjin gestured.
Dressed in futuristic attire with beautifully applied eye makeup, Xiongxiong pulled out a large box from the backpack on her back. “Our company… hehe, presents this grand gift to the game!”
Curious, I leaned closer and glanced at the two-country text printed on the box. “TQ3000… Series? What’s this?”
“TQ3000, the latest graphics card produced by our company. Currently, its performance should be comparable to the 4090 from Huangpi. We’ve been coordinating with the production company of ‘Age of Aquarius’ for a long time, and the optimization is basically perfect,” Xiongxiong explained proudly.
With a proud look on her face, Xiongxiong continued, “Whether ‘Age of Aquarius’ can save gaming, and whether the new gaming ecosystem can save our chips, it all depends on this wave!”
“……”
……