Chapter 167 Insight Into Human Nature
In later years, Old Shi published a book on marketing.
Although Su Yuanshan had never read it, he had skimmed a few character profiles.
The comment that stuck most firmly in his memory was a four-character evaluation:
Insight into human nature.
Not insight into the market—because compared to playing with human nature, playing with the market was just child's play.
From Brain Platinum to free-to-play games to loot boxes, Old Shi's grasp of human nature was incredibly precise.
Su Yuanshan had always worried a little—what if, without the crushing failure of the Giant Building, this guy lost his greatest strength?
Now it seemed that his worry had been completely unnecessary.
"Let's talk about Japan first. Their market is relatively closed," Shi Dazhu said.
"Initially, their gaming culture was built on fantasy stories like Dragon Quest.
But now, the market has gradually segmented into different groups.
Each gaming company has its own specialties, or rather, their flagship series—
and I have a feeling that series-based products will become very popular in Japan."
Su Yuanshan lightly nodded,
"Exactly. That aligns with their national character overall.
Of course, series work well everywhere, but especially so in Japan."
"Right.
As for the Western market, it's far more inclusive.
The cultural roots are still Western fantasy themes, but because PC gaming is rising over there, the market has become much more diverse and accepting."
Listening to Shi Dazhu, Su Yuanshan realized that instead of classifying the market by genre—like RPG, AVG, ACT—
he was analyzing it based on market culture and consumer behavior.
It was a refreshing approach.
Thinking for a moment, Su Yuanshan asked,
"Then what type and setting of game do you think we should develop if we want to break into Japan?"
"Not just Japan," Shi Dazhu said, smiling as he intertwined his fingers.
"Target both Japan and the West simultaneously. Find the common ground."
"Racing games, shooting games, fighting games, dating sim games, business simulation games...
Or futuristic sci-fi-themed RPGs—all would work."
"In short," he said, leaning forward slightly,
"those markets are brimming with cash—just waiting for us to scoop it up."
Shi Dazhu paused briefly before adding,
"But I wouldn't recommend starting directly with an RPG.
First, it's hard to gauge player taste accurately.
Second, RPGs require massive amounts of dialogue text, and to do it right, you'd need seasoned native writers to capture the flavor."
Su Yuanshan burst out laughing.
This guy really was a purely profit-driven talent.
Every decision and analysis pointed straight toward making money.
But Su Yuanshan agreed wholeheartedly.
There was no need to talk about cultural export yet—
first, survive.
Make money.
Then think about anything else.
Next, Shi Dazhu continued to analyze player psychology with Su Yuanshan.
He already had a prototype idea for a shooting game forming in his mind—
He thought it was necessary to break away from the old "run around, pick up weapons, and shoot" model like in Contra.
Instead, he wanted players to gather resources, assemble their own equipment, upgrade their firearms, and enhance their characters—
thus enhancing the sense of exploration and engagement.
He also wanted to significantly upgrade enemy AI, making enemies "smarter" and providing a real challenge for players.
Su Yuanshan expressed his strong support.
Very strong support.
No wonder this guy was a real heavyweight—the moment he started planning, it was all about strengthening systems and upgrading AI.
"Go for it, Old Shi!" Su Yuanshan laughed.
"The R&D center in the Special Economic Zone has all the D3D APIs you need.
If you build it, it'll definitely work."
Hearing this, Shi Dazhu finally let out a long sigh of relief.
"Why don't you share your market analysis with the other Caotang Association members?" Su Yuanshan said, pointing at the handwritten report.
"This kind of industry analysis—
You put in the work... we'll reimburse you for it."
Shi Dazhu's eyes flickered slightly, but he shook his head with a laugh,
"Since I'm the association president, this time let's call it a public service."
"Alright, we'll leave it to everyone's personal choice then," Su Yuanshan said.
...
At noon, Su Yuanshan had lunch with Old Shi.
Then he stayed in Shanghai for one more day before finally flying back to the provincial capital.
When the plane landed, aside from Fu Zhenhua, another familiar and beautiful figure was waiting at the airport exit.
"Li Xiao?"
Dragging his suitcase, Su Yuanshan blinked in surprise.
"Shaner, your big sister came to personally pick you up! Touched?"
Li Xiao wore jeans, sneakers, and a casual shirt with her sleeves rolled up high.
She laughed heartily as she pointed at him.
"Very touched."
Su Yuanshan smiled, handing his suitcase to Fu Zhenhua.
He turned his head and looked at Li Xiao, realizing that even though it had only been a month since they last met, she had clearly slimmed down a bit.
"I thought you said you wouldn't be back until November?"
Li Xiao was now in her senior year, right in the middle of her internship.
Because she was part of an important research group, she had to stay and complete some projects before returning.
"I came back early to help you out!"
Li Xiao walked shoulder to shoulder with Su Yuanshan.
When they reached the car, she didn't hesitate at all—she opened the door and climbed right in without even closing the door properly...
Su Yuanshan helplessly followed and sat beside her in the back seat.
"So, when did you arrive?"
"Yesterday.
I went straight to the Science Park today.
But when I got there, I heard you weren't around.
After asking around, Zhou Xiaohui told me you were flying back today, so here I am."
She glanced sideways at Su Yuanshan, smiling mischievously.
"I heard the chemical lab equipment isn't fully set up yet?
Where did you assign all the new hires?"
"Some equipment is in place.
For now, the new hires are doing theoretical analysis and a few initial experiments."
The chemistry lab wasn't officially under Yuanxin's R&D division yet.
It operated independently as an incubator project,
headed by Wu Deguang—a rare overseas-returned master's graduate.
Currently, the main research topic at the chemistry lab was Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) technology—
something both Su Yuanshan and his senior brother Chen Jianguo needed, particularly for copper interconnect processes.
After seeing how expensive it was to run a chemical lab, Su Yuanshan couldn't help but sigh inwardly:
Playing with chemistry was bloody expensive.
"By the way," Li Xiao said,
"Senior Cheng asked me to pass on a message—remember him?"
"Of course.
The guy who said I was full of hot air," Su Yuanshan laughed.
"I personally invited him last time, and he didn't appreciate it."
"Hehe, he was tied up with finishing his own experiments.
Once he's done, he'll graduate and come to Yuanxin."
"Good.
Just in time—our chemistry lab is still struggling with CVD."
"How's the progress?"
"Extremely slow."
"Hahaha!"
Li Xiao burst out laughing.
"That stuff has crazy demands for vacuum chambers...
If you can break through it, you're a god."
Su Yuanshan shrugged helplessly,
"Exactly..."
When they returned to Yuanxin, Li Xiao insisted that she wouldn't go home anymore.
She wanted to experience the employee dormitories, which were ready for move-in.
Unable to refuse, Su Yuanshan helped her arrange a room.
It felt just like the old days—being dragged around by her, wandering the moonlit paths of Yuanxin.
Today's Yuanxin was no longer the dusty construction site of two years ago.
The landscaping was complete, and a huge artificial lake lay in the center of the campus.
Young employees bustled back and forth,
making it feel almost like a university campus.
From a distance, the sound of a guitar floated over—
obviously one of the more artsy employees was trying to show off to win the attention of the very few female employees.
"This place is wonderful,"
Li Xiao said, hugging her arms as she walked slowly.
Su Yuanshan, still lost in thought about work, only absentmindedly answered, "Mmm."
"Shaner,"
Li Xiao said, nudging him lightly,
"comfort me a little, will you?"
"Hmm?"
Su Yuanshan turned, staring at her wide-eyed.
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